LIVE REVIEW: Metal2TheMasses Heat Two sears the cold air with metallic heat...

THE chilly February air around Belfast's Fountain Street was given an unseasonal blast of metallic heat as four bands entered into the fray of Metal2TheMasses, all seeking to progress towards the coveted prize of a slot at Bloodstock 2018.

There was an enforced change in the line up for this heat at the Voodoo (February 9th) came about as a result of an injury to Cursed Sun's drummer saw So Much For The Sun swap their heat five slot to fill the void.

Opening proceedings Korvid created an immediate wave of support from the gathering crowd. Tight doom was, however, somewhat flummoxed by singer Jonny delivering his vocals with his back to the audience on the floor.

While it may work in a venue like the Voodoo, Metal2TheMasses is an 'audition' for Bloodstock, where there will be no chance to bop into the audience and eye contact with fans is an almost prerequisite. Despite that Korvid's overall sound once again demonstrated their promise.

Lisburn band, So Much For The Sun, wall of sludge noise assailed the crowd from the off, with the an almost at times post-metal sound at first then developed from the first track into an exposition of stoner styles with liberal nods to assorted NOLA metal acts.

At times the set lagged a little, but concluded with an appropriate crescendo setting down a marker, and all credit to the band for willingly swapping their slot - and, that fact may understandably impacted their rehearsal time.

Oracle announced their intent from the off, immediately engaging the audience with a heavy groove flaying faces in the front two rows.

A tight unit live, this set showed that Oracle have developed considerably in recent months. However, Rhys was so intent in bashing his kit that the bass drum pedal broke. The camaraderie of the bands was demonstrated when another bass pedal was quickly provided.

Despite the forced break Oracle ended their set with the same power as they began, drawing more and more people to the edge of the stage.

Death Of A Salesaman announced their intent to deliver a visual attack with two standees bearing their logo. And, from the off there was no doubt their hardcore tinged metal was going to have the emphasis firmly on ferocity.

Flying hair and fierce riffs whipped up the crowd in no time..

It was a consummate demonstration of what needs to be delivered in the allotted 30 minutes. Unnecessary banter dropped between the songs and as they entered the last song the audience was advised of when the breakdown was coming.

All four bands displayed their credentials on this heat, but in the end the qualifiers were Death Of A Salesman and Oracle.

Review by Jonathan Traynor
Pictures by Lizzie Torbitt

LIVE REVIEW: Voodoom brings sludge, stoner and doom six-pack to Belfast

WHEN there was a promise of six bands bringing a storm of noise to Belfast's Voodoo it was a prospect that both filled attendees with excitement and a certain amount of trepidation...After all, cramming that many bands into a short time-slot had the potential for technical disasters.

With just a 10-minute turnaround between bands there turned out to remarkable clarity of sound and great separation across the elements showcased what a good soundman can do.

But, could the bands live up to the great set-up? Given the diversity of styles they managed to pull off a night of entertainment a range of sludge, stoner and doom that varied in dynamics and tone.

Opening up was a considerable challenge for two-piece Maw, but they managed to produce a well-balanced set. There were a couple of moments of tiny faltering, but overall they managed to maintain composure.

Their sound was well filled out for just drums and guitar, but in future they could consider adding a bass to reduce pressure on the rhythm elements that give their songs so much drive.

After just a few gigs under their belts Goatschlager seemed to have achieved a presence that belies the age of the band, if not the collective experience.

Their stoner sound works well and Darren works well s a front man, and the band understand tonality. There were, however,  a few moments that require more polish that will add to the overall excellence.

Moving from stoner to the sludge doomy sounds Korvid retained the audience and it was obvious they have a devoted following.

Their sound has all the elements of traditional doom, but have enough variety of pacing and power to keep it interesting.

Jonny's range of vocals is impressive in range and tone, backed by a band that pulls no punches.

The fuzzed out sludge of Elder Druid could have merged into the previous band's sound, but had enough of their own distinctiveness to set themselves apart. Gregg's initial struggles with mic stand didn't hinder his delivery.

Not for the first time echoes of Sabbath reverberated around the room with a sure footed stomp. There is a clear seanse that Elder Druid can reach further in the live setting.

The live setting is somewhere Molarbear now seem increasingly comfortable, with a booming sound and overall heftiness.

The three guitars don't overwhelm each other, but rather complement the intent and intensity. What could be overpowering is instead weirdly enjoyable.

They have poise and power in equal measures and a range of songs that are never dull.

With their now trademark synth on a stool Nomadic Rituals doom and sludge has at times elements of prog rock within their wall of sound.

What could be boring in less capable hands is a sense of arrangements and soundscape that invites listeners in, and has sufficient depth to retain interest.

Craig, Peter and Mark have clearly considered how to promote their unique take on doom. There is enough variety in the tunes to sustain the attention.

Voodoom more than lived up to expectations, despite the challenge of putting on six bands. And it proved that despite the clichés that surround the tags of doom, sludge or stoner there is still enough variety in Northern Ireland to confound the critics.

Review and pictures by Jonny -  Reproduction only by explicit written consent.