Mindless Torture - Eddie's - Friday 30th January 2009

It always pays to have a contingency plan! Instead of the trip to the Little Civic to see Speed Theory (or more specifically I Hate You More – hope you're fighting fit soon Beefy!) Eddie's became the scene of the crime.

Slab played another devastating set. Mixing old and new with considerable aplomb they are always a pleasure to watch. As I haven't done a full critique for a while I'll attempt to do them justice. Imagine a vocalist who screams with such conviction it looks like his jugular's about to explode. Whilst doing this Jake also manages to play a complex hybrid of rhythm and lead guitar. Big Jim flies up and down the fretboard of his bass weaving a thunderous and intricate platform. Kimbo works his way around the kit effortlessly and always seems to have a ridiculous amount of time. It constantly amazes me that they can conjure up the sound they do as a three piece. Having set the scene, to tonight's set. Very few extreme metal bands can match this band's dynamic mix of all out fury interspersed with quieter, melodic, almost hypnotic sections. Since first seeing them in March last year I've seen them about a dozen times now – if they are playing I'll make every effort I can to be there. This performance was up there with the best. Due to start work on their new album over the summer, if the tracks previewed here are anything to go be it's going to be an absolute cracker. Go and see them live as soon as you can!! Setlist; “Thylacine”, “Conspiracy”, “Vines”, “The Bite”, “Kevorkian”, “Chaos Bastard” and “Tetradon”.

Mindless Torture were equally impressive. When I first saw them they fell into the promising category, and were in desperate need of a second guitarist to beef up their sound. Three members who played that gig remain. Shadie is an affable frontman and more than capable death metal vocalist. (Metal) Gaz churned out the riffs as solidly as ever, whilst Anil seemed to be hitting the kit harder than I've previously witnessed. They were joined by Tom (Left To Bleed) on guitar and Frank (Life Denied) on bass. I would suggest that if this lineup sticks together they could make quite a name for themselves. Unsurprisingly their self released EP featured prominently as they bludgeoned their way through a set of brutal old school death metal. Soon to be seen supporting Soulfly at the Wulfrun, this appearance will hopefully push them firmly into the spotlight. If you like death metal, and especially the grinding, breakdown-laden Obituary or Morbid Angel style of the genre, make an effort to see them! Solid as a rock musically, tight interplay between the guitarists, and clinical rhythm section, made this a crushingly heavy display. Setlist; “Ashes”, “Amputate”, “Ready Or Not”, “My Cross” and “Sick And Disjointed”.

Apart from the pitifully low turnout this was a belter and both bands deserved far better support. Contrasting styles, but equally enjoyable, two bands highly recommended by the Chopmeister!!