Meltdown Festival - Asylum - Saturday 4th October 2008

Billed as bigger and better than 2007 which was a bold claim as last year's event was a cracker. Sixteen bands were scheduled to play, for varying reasons three bands didn't appear (Last Chance At Rampton, Bastard Of The Skies and Descend From Above). The honour of opening the day at 1.30pm fell to...

Overproof. Beer metal at this time of day, played to a sober crowd, by a sober band, was always going to be challenging. Soldiered on well and finished the set strongly. "Beer", "King Of the Mountain" and "Bastard" were a little bit patchy in their execution. "Relentless", "V Twin" and "Overproof" saw the band finish on top form. Difficult timeslot for them, whoever opened was going to be on a hiding to nothing.

Life Denied. Giles will be shocked by this, but I'm not going to feature on the sound! This was a punishing set of well executed death/grind. Breakdown sections were immense, musicianship top drawer, with Giles's barked vocals completing the carnage. The early double bodyblow of "Stranglehold" into "Pain Divine" was stunning, although the whole set was clinically delivered and immensely enjoyable. Strangely subdued performance from Scott for a change, then again it was still early; way too much time for chair dancing...

Redemption Unnamed were the first non-locals having travelled from Plymouth. Disappointing set. Sound was painfully thin even allowing for the six string bassist's efforts, they definitely need to add another guitarist, although chatting to the band shortly after their stint they seem to be happy as they are. Can't really categorise them as their songs contained stoner, goth and extreme metal sections, as well as classic rock moments. Vocalist didn't have her best day at the office I'm afraid, although some of the screaming was impressive. First time I've seen them, so I'll give them the benefit of the doubt and put it down as an off day!

Macarga continued the South Western theme having travelled up from Bournemouth. What a set! Technical and brutal, it's incredible that they do what they do as a three piece plus vocalist. Without demeaning the guitarist's efforts, I have to say I was blown away by the abilities of both the drummer and especially the bass player. Staggering work fellas! Throw a screaming vocalist into the equation and you've got a recipe for out and out annihilation. Meshuggah, Gojira and Mastodon are the closest bands that spring to mind. The EP is stunning as well guys (although the last track needs a bit of tinkering, gets a bit samey). "Truth Lies Within", "Scan", "Faith", "Genome" and "Seven" made up the set, can't wait to see you slaying again soon fellas!

Black Cesar, from Wales, impressed me when they played the Doomsday all-dayer at the Barfly earlier in the year. This performance was even better. Still all instrumentals, this set was played at a faster tempo and came across as space rock/ stoner rather than old school doom. Turns out that the unusual lead instrument is called a lapsteel, thanks for letting me in on the secret! Couldn't decide if the band were winding me up with the song titles; see what you think... "Breakneck," "Strumpets For Hire," "Dogfist," "Untitled," "Rape Of Good Hope" and "Gypsy's Toenail," exactly!

Suicide Watch apparently used to be half of the legendary Stamping Ground, the other half forming Romeo Must Die. Blistering set of immense ferocity. Incredibly tight as a band they pulverised their way through their time on stage. Essentially they play precision thrash with a modern twist. The song titles "Flesh And Blood", "Cursed Earth" and "Dig Your Own Grave" tell you all you need to know. Awesome display.

Godsize raised the bar even higher and for me played the set of the day. If you haven't seen this band yet, get off your arse and go and see them; I guarantee you won't be disappointed if you are a fan of hardcore, sludge or extreme metal in general. I've seen these guys a lot over the last year, this display was phenomenal. Usual highlights, "Beer Slag", "For You" and the inevitable closer "Start Her Up," although the whole performance was of the highest quality. Stunning.

Slab had to cut their set short as Big Jim regrettably broke a string on his bass. What they played was quality and the new song "Kevorkian" fitted in well. "Chaos Bastard" was a rousing opener, the usual suspects off the album were, as always, well executed. Give me a shout when you are next playing fellas!

Severed Heaven are a rarity, an all female death/extreme metal band of staggering ferocity. Tempo changes were handled clinically, they generated immense power during the slower breakdown sections. Nice to see a drummer using a kicker pedal for effect rather than constantly blasting. Solid as a rock musically, they were the surprise package of the day. Setlist leaned heavily on the EP (which will be reviewed shortly - thanks Anna!); "Earth Decayed", "Soul Desecration", "Autumn", "The Fallen Flesh Of Worthlessness" and "Perish." Look forward to seeing you wreaking havoc again soon!

This turned out to be the last full set I witnessed as I then made a rapid departure to attend Kik's album launch party/gig at the recently re-opened Edwards. I have it on good authority that Slit from Malta were brutal (and great guys having met them earlier in the day), I Am Colossus played a stormer (well done Beefy Jay!) and Hellbastard were fairly ordinary. Got back in time to see the start of Taint's set and was distinctly underwhelmed. So much so that we started saying our goodbyes halfway through their third song and left shortly afterwards.

A hugely enjoyable day, I have to extend my thanks to Chris and the Meltdown crew for staging such a good gig (by the way, hope you are feeling better soon Tracie!). Godsize were band of the day for me, although there were a lot of quality performances. Yes it was bigger and better, I'm intrigued to see how you top that at the Christmas bash and next year - sure you'll manage it!!