Intense interrogation

Heavy metal is in rude good health; groove, intensity and an awesome display of power were on display from a trio of bands gathered in solemn dedication to the genre and to toast the launch of Interrogate's new platter at The Limelight on Saturday.

Scarred for Life is the band's new offering (review to follow...and pin back your ears if you haven't heard it already: subtlelty and brutality make a heady mix!).

Opening proceedings at rockD in The Limelight were No Grace Given, delivering a riff packed set, with Steve Rice commanding proceedings, dominating the stage with presence rather than histrionics.

Triggerman are all about grooving with Bap leading a beer-soaked preacher metal revival meeting through the halls of Valhalla via hard rockin' heaven.

And then there were the Pole dancers...yes pole dancers, and we're not talking about Polish folk dances. Three lythe ladies kept a largely male audience in rapt attention. Much kudos for facing the audience with humour and some quite frankly unbelievable machinations for an increasingly testosterone fuelled crowd.

But Saturday night was all about Interrogate. Although facing some challenging circumstances coming into the show, this was an important gig for the crew. Despite a slightly truncated set Andy, Darren, Mark and Steve took to the stage eager to deliver an intense interrogation for any doubters.

New material off Scarred for Life merged seamlessly with more familiar tracks off the Unbroken EP.

Kicking off with the invitation to 'Tear this place down' from new CD opener Victim the pace never relented. Andy is increasingly confident in using the entire range of his vocals, supported by Darren's growls.

By the time the groove of Panteral Grey was trotted out Darren and Steve's rhythm pieces has become increasingly tight. What was secure before, now is so airtight that you couldn't slide a slip of paper between them.

Andy's foil in Mark's guitar played tempo against weight - and an increasingly involved crowd nodded, headbanged and generally had a helluva good time.

Interrogate are maturing into a band deserving of more exposure. Triggerman continue to defy conventions that say that metal is one dimensional, and No Grace Given stare out with potential to flay.

These three acts are proof that the local scene is alive, kicking and screw the mainstream pop world that's populated by that cunt Cowell and his non-entities.

The band may not be metal, but it is worth recalling the words of Belfast's Stiff Little Fingers:

"I believe in the power of guitar and drum

I believe in the hope held in a song

I believe that the music makes you strong

I believe in the power of guitar and drum"

Interrogate, Triggerman and No Grace Given make that belief worthwhile.

Time for Interrogation!

Tomorrow, Saturday 30th May, Interrogate unleash their new album - Scarred for Life - at RockD in The Limelight.

The culmination of a year's hard work the album builds upon the trade mark Interrogate sound many of us have come to appreciate over the past few years.

After a brief hiatus from the live scene to record and polish the tracks they have had a few gigs to shake off the dust and their mixture of hard rock, hardcore and metal will no doubt be laid down with the usual aural assault on Saturday.

Scarred For Life is the culmination of years of hard work from Interrogate. Review to follow naturally!

Originally formed in the late 90s, the Castledawson band have endured their fair share of hardships, but have come out the other side unscathed and invigorated.

A near fatal accident, line-up changes and flammable practice rooms have failed to dampen the spirits of the metal band who have gone from strength to strength while working towards their album release.

Scarred For Life aims to build upon Interrogate’s reputation as Northern Ireland ’s premier metal band and with plans afoot for a European tour, their future is looking very bright indeed.

Now in case this hasn't swayed you enough to head on down to The Limelight ponder on this. There will be support from the excellent Triggerman and No Grace Given...and there will be the Jagerettes...and there will be pole dancers (I kid you not!)...and it all costs a measly £5 to get your asses into The Limelight.

Warm up for Gorgoroth on Saturday

If you want to warm yourself up for Sunday's Gorgoroth gig the Distortion Project's regular RockD slot tomorrow (Saturday) sees Arcane and Niyah Sky play at Katy Daly's.

Priced £2.50...excellent value!

The following Saturday RockD sees Interrogate, No Grace Given, and Razor Sentry - same venue, same price!