LIVE REVIEW: Metal2TheMasses heats plough on

BEAST from the East? Is that a Maiden tribute band? Or a phrase coined by a desperate circulation hunting media? Well, Belfast's pavements were slippery, but that didn't stop Heat Four of Metal2TheMasses proceeding.

Bands from throughout the frozen north made their way to Belfast to entertain the hardy metal fans not distracted by the many other events on across the city.

Opening proceedings were Rule of Six. It has been a rare night to see the Limelight2 stage so crowded as when guitarists are packed in front.

But, despite some vocal issues, their sci-fi orientated metal had more guitar melodies rolling off the stage than a fleet of Goa'uld cruisers (look it up).

Rather than an overwhelming wall of noise the balance of soloing and riffs was achieved and with visual dash from a lighted mic stand that alternated colours. Whatever next, lighting up singers teeth?

The Rusty Taste of Sweetness' heads down classic metal, hard rock take produced nods and cheers of approval from a group of friends and fans, which is key for bands wanting to boost the audience's 50% vote share.

Anna's vocal range and Lucas' guitar histrionics are the key factors in lifting Rusty Taste of Sweetness' sound, adding the needed dynamics to the set.

With more grooves than a vinyl box-set Skypilot set about the Limelight with intent. The three-piece vary from post-metal, post-rock, straight-up rock and metallic tinges. Indeed that is the strength of the band recorded or live. No clichés, just music that defies classification.

Dave's persuasive guitar lines works with a deep rhythm that insistent rock and groove.

Rounding up the evening's competition Periapt have a hard rock edge, tinged with a little grunge, but mostly concentrate on the more metal side of things on this occasion.

With some impressive sections of their songs the interaction between the guitarists works well to highlight that they can produce the arrangements to lift their songs.

After the impressive four sets were completed the results were that Rule of Six and Skypilot proceed to the semi-final of Metal2TheMasses.

Review by Jonathan Traynor
Pictures by Lizzie Torbitt

LIVE REVIEW: Heat One of Metal2TheMasses kicks off the battle for a Bloodstock slot

YOU know when Metal2TheMasses is underway when 'real' adults appear in Limelight2. Not, that everyone who normally attends isn't above the statutory admittance age - it's just that these are responsible adults. Also known as parents of band members.

Seeing these responsible adults gives one a sense of assurance that their offspring's efforts to learn a new guitar line, drum fill of bass run, not to mention shipping them to rehearsals has been worth the effort to see their sprogs enter into the fray for a cherished spot at Bloodstock.

By Darren McVeigh

In an evening of varied styles all four bands in this first heat played half hour sets that were entertaining and engaging in front of a relatively healthy turn-out.

With the bands chosen order as usual not pre-determined it was up to Erosion that were up first. These experienced musicians delivered their usual well performed selection of tracks, with Martin particularly impressive. However, at times Mark's vocals were a bit strained.

The excellence of their alt take on metal was, however, on the evening, a little bit at odds with some of the arrangement of the set, and announcing a track as 'hardcore' was perhaps a mistake. That said their use of intro samples and the overall aural wall bodes well.

By Darren McVeigh

Travelling up from Co. Armagh Periapt struggled with tuning during the set, but once they got going their brand of groove with tech touches worked well. Relatively static on stage was understandable given the enormity of the prize at stake.

Which, of course is a slot on the Bloodstock line-up with all that entails - to be on a line-up with Megadeth, Amon Amarth, Blind Guardian, Hatebreed, Testament, Decapitated etc. Given Periapt's hard rock groove they may need to toughen up their sound a little to fight for a slot in the future. That said there is obvious potential.

Beyond the Beneath were playing their first show and their first time they'd lined up as a three-piece. From the off the passion and the ability was clear, as was their use of the stage to its full extent.

By Lizzie Torbitt

The punk edged metal was mixed with groove and a grasp of tight musical arrangements. Colum's lead runs were tight and not overblown, while Davy's bass work and vocals were only matched by the silly in between tracks banter. There are still a few rough edges to be knocked off, but given this was their début that was a minor issue.

Rosco's Riot came on with a wall-of noise, intense and over-flowing with groove. Tim towered over the audience; full-on playing. At times the sound was cluttered, drowning out Tim's vocals, but the riffing was only matched by a peerless union of James and Craig's tightly woven rhythms.

It was clear that Rosco's Riot had brought the most support, guaranteeing they would get a substantial vote from the audience. However, you cannot gather that level of support without a good set and a substantial set of songs.

By Lizzie Torbitt

As always with Metal2TheMassses voting weight was 50% from the audience and 50% from the collective judging panel.

Qualifying for the semi-finals are: Rosco's Riot and Beyond The Beneath.

Review by Jonathan Traynor
Pictures by Darren McVeigh and Lizzie Torbitt (as marked)