LIVE REVIEW: Feeling 'The Force' with Onslaught, Beholder, Annihilated and Scimitar

When people talk about the so-called 'Big Four' of thrash metal, you'll often hear “but I think it should be Big Five, because (insert their favourite thrash band here) should be included”

Often, the band in question is just as talented as those in that top four are, they just inexplicably never hit the same lofty heights of fame.

All of which brings us neatly to Sunday night's Limelight gig, which saw thrash legends Onslaught hit Belfast again, this time to celebrate the thirtieth anniversary of their classic album The Force, ably supported by a plethora of both local and national acts.

First up it was time for local thrashers Scimitar to strut their stuff, and they stepped up to the plate in confident and polished fashion. Beginning with the immediate and sizzlingly fast 'Behead the Beast', they fill their set with no-frills, balls out thrash, to the delight of the crowd. Tight and forceful, their hefty set leaves everyone warmed up and thirsty for more.

Speaking of thrash legends...next up it's Suffolk's own recently reformed Anihilated, whose return to the metal fold sees them filled with renewed vigour and enthusiasm.

Tight as their well-pounded snare drum, they fire out hit after hit with roaring thrashy power. “I heard you were a bunch of badass metal motherfuckers, and it seems they were right!” frontman Si Cob yells approvingly following the crowd's response to 'They Lie, We Die'. Definitely a band from the 'play as fast as you can' Slayer end of the thrash spectrum, they set heads banging all over the room; final track 'We Are Legion' is a particular highlight.

A band at the proggier end of metal is up next: it's Coventry's Beholder. Fronted by Bloodstock man Simon Hall, who bellows “good evening Belfast? Are you ready for this?!” prior to their opening number, they have always been a metal band with a strong social conscience, fundraising for the Sophie Lancaster Foundation and writing issues close to their heart.

They also – if you'll pardon the pun – are a sight to behold onstage, pouring all their energy into their performance. Hall in particular wrings every last ounce of effort from himself as he roars, growls and hollers throughout their powerful 45 minute set.

Tonight, we hear songs both old and new, including 'Razorline (On the Edge of Insanity)' from their first album (“something faster for you thrashheads” grins Hall) and pacy and atmospheric newie 'My Revolution'.

It's always a pleasure to witness this charismatic and dynamic band.

A siren intro and classical music heralds the arrival of the band that everyone is here to see: as Onslaught file onstage they receive a rowdy heroes' welcome from the crowded room, which only gets louder as they launch into track one of The Force, 'Let There Be Death'.

It becomes immediately clear that, despite the passing of time, there has been no dimming of their enthusiasm – they're like excited young pups onstage – or of frontman Sy Keeler's vocals, which show an astonishing strength and range. “It's a fucking pleasure and honour to bring The Force to this wonderful city!”, he enthuses. Briefly mentioning their legendary Mandela Hall gig, they continue on with a frantically energetic 'Fight the Beast', followed by an even faster 'Demoniac'.

With little pause between tracks, they fire through the album like a rocket launcher. And by the gods does it sound good: epic, majestic and rowdy, it's as fresh and exciting as if it had been recorded this week. The thunderous and atmospheric 'Flame of the Antichrist', the masterful 'Contract In Blood',
the blistering 'Thrash Til the Death'...all simply outstanding.

The album completed, they spend the remainder of their set treating the crowd to a mini tour through the rest of their back catalogue. 'Killing Peace' gets an airing, as does a ferocious 'The Sound of Violence', a furious 'Destroyer of Worlds' and of course '66Fucking 6', which sends the room into paroxysms of delight.

They finish up with the 'one-two punch' of 'Power from Hell' and 'Thermonuclear Devastation', before Keeler announces “thank you Belfast, you've been fucking awesome!” and they all depart the darkened stage.

But of course, it's not over yet...to roars of approval, and because Belfast is so fucking awesome (and despite the house lights already being on) we are treated to one last song: a rabid 'Angels of Death'. Perfect.

'The Big Four', 'The Big Five', 'The Big However Many' – the debate will no doubt continue to rage as to who are the best thrash bands in the world. Based on tonight's damn near flawless  performance, Onslaught are definitely up there with the big boys. Keep on thrashing, lads!

Review by Melanie Brehaut
Pics by Darren McVeigh
Reproduction by written permission only

NEWS: New Year's Day video premiere for Beholder's new track

ON New Years Day - scheduled between 'Eastenders' and 'Sherlock' - British progressive metallers Beholder debut the first video from their third highly anticipated album 'Reflections' (release date to be confirmed).

The track 'Frozen Steps Of Utøya' is a pre finalised and as yet unmastered mix, never the less it is a powerful introduction into the next phase of the Beholder (R)evolution.

The song itself is based on the events of 22nd July 2011 in Norway; when a lone terrorist claimed the lives of 77 victims with 68 of them defenceless teenagers on Utøya island, yet somehow out of this tragic adversity a country has shown such resilient spirit.

Beholder have strong ties with Norway having played there several times and with the album currently being mixed over there by Arvid Tjelta (Frogleap Studios).

Produced by Andy Pilkington (Very Metal Art) the video 'Frozen Steps Of Utøya' will premiere 1st January 2016 at 6.30pm (GMT) on Beholder's official Facebook page: www.facebook.com/BeholderUK

A strong start to 2016 and a brief look to an album that should win the minds and hearts of metallers worldwide.

Beholder end 2015 on a high note as this Saturday (19th December) they're special guests to Lawnmower Deth at their Christmas Party along with Acid Reign in Nottingham at Rock City while we'll be The Answer at The Diamond Rock Club.

COMIN' ATCHA: Clashes, gigs and more: Beholder, Ricky Warwick, Bullet for My Valentine, Paradise Lost and much more

THERE are those that bemoan the fact that many tours bypass Northern Ireland; for example the Hardcore Superstar/Michael Monroe UK and Europe tour announced yesterday. However, with such a feast of acts already penciling in Belfast dates there are rich delights for rock and metal fans.


And we say that with total confidence after The Distortion Project confirmed Overkill's Belfast date on April 9th.


But ahead of that we have a week ahead packed with much fun and frolics for fans. Look no further than Thursday when the mighty Beholder roll into town. Their Limelight2 show will see Simon and co rock the foundations in Ormeau Avenue after Sinocence and By Any Means shake your fillings loose.
On the same night Heart of a Coward are playing the Voodoo with support from By Conquest of Consent.


If you want to mellow out and relive a guilty pleasure, on Friday Wheatus' show has been upgraded from Limelight2 to Limelight1. They'll be playing all that album in full; you know the one about Iron Maiden tickets (although we refute the idea that it is only teenage dirtbags who have the issues referred to in the song).


Saturday, it's always a good bet you'll wend your way up to the Diamond Rock Club a fair amount of Saturdays in a year: this coming Saturday Ricky Warwick and Damon Johnson will be returning for more rock, supported by the Acoustic Outlaws (that is the Gasoline Outlaws without amps).


Sunday sees Rich Robinson - ex of the Black Crowes - play The Empire Music Hall with a selection of solo tunes and BC standards.


Mondays are crap, right? Wrong! This coming Monday is the second of the big gig clashes of the autumn. In the red corner, weighing in at an impressive mighty dose of doom we have Paradise Lost and Lucifer in Limelight1. In the blue corner, weighing in with contemporary metal fandom we have Bullet for My Valentine in the Ulster Hall.


Who will win out? Well we hope it is a draw with equally packed venues. Tickets are still available for both shows, but if you're under 18 the Bullet show is your only option. [BTW - if you caught the Editor's show on Belfast Underground TV on Saturday past you'll know that Lucifer are going to blow your ears off...]


Now is that enough to wrap up September?

NEWS: Trucker sign deal +++ Last chance to see The Who indoors+++Beholder for Belfast

+++

Off Yer Rocka climb aboard the Big Truck

TRUCKER Diablo have been signed to Off Yer Rocka Records for the release of 'Rise Above The Noise' the album they recorded after a successful Pledge Music campaign.

OYR CEO Jonni Davis said: "We've known Trucker for a long time this is a huge musical thrust north, it's just a great FKN album and sits perfectly into what we're all about..can't wait to get this one out there!"

Tom from Trucker added his tuppence worth on the news: "When we decided to set up a pledge campaign for our new album, signing with a label was far from the agenda. When OYR got in touch it was like an old friend getting in contact.

"We have been friends with the guys for quite a few years now and have been lucky enough to be a part of the amazing festivals they host. So for us its an easy decision to make this next step into the OYR family and we trust our new album will find more ears through the great team they have working with them."

The rest of the world will soon see why the Big Truck Keeps on Rolling!

+++

Last chance to see The Who...indoors

THERE has been much talk about The Who of late, with some of the more controversial comments coming when Pete Townsend saying that he could not be Roger Daltrey's friend because of Daltrey's wife...

But, they have been getting the front pages as much for their celebration of 50 years. Fifty fucking years! And, with a sold out Glastonbury headlining set and a Hyde Park show you have to say that when The Who play Belfast's Odyssey Arena on 21st June it may be the very last time that we will have the chance to see them live at an indoors arena.


With tracks such as 'Won't Get Fooled Again', 'Pinball Wizard', 'Who Are You' and 'Substitute' The Who have always been a rock band first and foremost even if there are mods who hang about for some unknown reason (have they ever watched The Who at Woodstock?).

Their influence - and rock credentials - are clear, not least because of the bands who have chosen to cover their songs: WASP recorded a stunning version of 'The Real Me' and the Sex Pistols gave 'Substitute' the working class sneer that it deserves.

And, if you were to be thinking about Hyde Park, you'd have to put up with the likes of Johnny Marr, Kaiser Chiefs and Paul Weller...much better to book your ticket for The Who in the Odyssey on June 21st.

+++

Beholder book Belfast date

THE mighty Beholder have booked in for a Belfast date on September 24th in Limelight2 thanks to The Distortion Project.

Joining the ferocious assault will be Sinocence and By Any Means...sure to be a noise fest to not to miss!

 +++ENDS+++