There is no doubt that Vol 2 is a great release (see our review here) and in Limelight2 the assembled audience was in celebratory mood.
Opening with a complete hard rockin' blast were Gasoline Outlaws. And what a blast they proved to be - tight and terrifyingly good.
Matt and his crew have taken the hard rock template, added a liberal dose of blues, a dash of metal attitude, and a smattering of good old fashioned rock 'n' fuckin' roll attitude, then smashed it all up into a feel good sound that celebrates the very best that we can do on this small outpost on the edge of Europe.
'Outlaws' we be, rockers we also be...Can't wait for the album to be released!
 |
| Guitar face level seven |
Thomas is growing in stature as a front man, and his melody runs with Stuart only helps emphasise the band's growth as Stuart's lead solos grow and develop.
Dean may still be the bassist who appears hyperactive, but he still nails it with Alastair's drumming.
New song apart, 'Justice Fails' and 'Gravelands' are still monstrous live.
 |
| And, why not... |
David is comfortable leading the line as favourites came pouring off the stage. 'In Our Blood' is an ode to what we all felt in younger days - how rock and metal set us apart from the rest with our dreams and desires.
With the likes of 'Got It Bad' and 'Paint By Numbers' in their arsenal Maverick always deliver it hard in a glorious manner.
In many ways Conjuring Fate should be an anachronism - playing NWOBHM inspired tunes, tales of terror and introspection. But instead of being a throwback it is a celebratory set delivered by the band.
 |
| My guitar, your guitar |
Tommy has a clear sense of what a front man is, while Phil, Karl, Steve and Bodgan are more than just a backing band. They are all a unit - tied together and terrifically poised.
There is no doubt that Conjuring Fate should be destined for higher acclaim than can be offered in a mere humble online set.
But, the legions of rock and metal were gathered together to witness Sinocence.
Sure, many of us had seen then seven days before in the Empire at Blazefest, but this time they were headlining, they were showcasing their ep, and they were ripping it up as if their lives depended on it.
'No Gods, No Masters Vol 2' is a deeply personal release, but it is also a release with clear purpose in what it can deliver for the band.
 |
| Scream for me Belfast |
As they mount the stage with a hard hitting version of 'Long Way Down' it was clear that Sinocence were geared up, with their contemporary metal.
We've referred to the phrase 'contemporary metal' on a number of occasions in relation to Sinocence. What we mean is that Sinocence have emerged, escpaed and evolved from a trap too many bands fall into.
They could have sounded derivative in terms of 80s thrash; they could have tried to match with the modern playlists, but instead Sinocence have carved their own path and created their own sound.
'Ascension Code' and 'Valorous' are mightily good - well balanced and well delivered.
Morro is cool and confident in his delivery, Anto's solos are better crafted than ever; and Jim and Davy roll and rock with a precision that is almost perverse in being this good.
Sinocence should be in the premier division of UK and Irish metal - only the geography of being in Northern Ireland has meant that major labels haven't been hunting them down.
Overall - a word we usually hate to use in reviews, the launch of ' No Gods, No Masters Vol 2' was a resounding celebration of what is great in Northern Irish rock and metal.
Review by Jonny
Pictures by Darren McVeigh (MetalplanetBelfast)
 |
| Sing me a song, you're a singer |
 |
| You have no idea how heavy this guitar is |
 |
| Losing control, keeping control |
 |
| Flying V and flying on the fretboard |
 |
| Passion |
 |
| Relaxed and rocking |
 |
| And the next line is... |
|
| Help me out with the chorus... |
 |
| Leaning back to rock out |
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment