Millennium Of Blood - Bear Tavern - Saturday 11th October 2008.

Regrettably two bands were unable to appear, so no Overproof or Forlorn, however the remaining three bands were...

Skullfox. Local band of young lads who impressed everyone immensely. Their EP showcases their abilities admirably, this performance was superb. Musically they are very solid, with all members of the band displaying maturity and technical proficiency well beyond their years. Then you throw in their songwriting prowess and you have a very potent package. If you had to pigeonhole them you'd put them in classic rock or biker territory, although they also exhibit stoner and doom leanings. Highlight of the set for many was their take on the Sex Pistols' “Pretty Vacant” which they managed to make their own effortlessly. Original material was well received too; track down a copy of their EP, I guarantee you won't be disappointed. Great start to the evening from a band who have a bright future ahead.

Martyr de Mona were up next and they were stunning. Having seen them at the Barfly and Scruffy's in the not too distant past, it was amazing how quickly they settled in to new surroundings. Tight as fuck from the word go, their set blistered along at a relentless tempo and contained songs that are surely destined to become classics in the not too distant future. Mark my words, they are a band to keep an eye on; with a bit of luck they should be huge.

Personal favourites were the two closing numbers “Eva” and “Dementia” but everything they did oozed class. Guitarists shared soloing and rhythm duties fluidly, and the rhythm section of bass and drums was solid as a rock; it's a measure of musical ability to be able to make complex patterns look so effortless, and to have so much time. Their appeal should be widespread as they play a chunky form of stadium rock, mixed up with modern time signatures. I genuinely hope the rest of 2008 and 2009 propels them ever upwards to where they belong in the rock/metal hierarchy.

Adrenaline completed the proceedings with their brutal hybrid of thrash, metalcore and hardcore and fully justified their headlining status. The “Being This Side Of Insane” EP was well represented as was the yet to be released new full length “Castrum Doloris”. Lead off track from the album, “The Bereaved”, kicked things off and was a real statement of intent, fast and brutal in equal measure. As the new material was aired, it became clear that the band should be onto a winner – all the songs are solid, with the breakdown sections being particularly savage.

For a three piece plus vocalist they generate an immense sound which never feels thin. The complexity of the drumlines and bass patterns may have something to do with this, allowing the guitarist to either underpin, or solo, at will. Vocals are of the extreme metal barked variety yet they are surprisingly accessible. There would have been some serious pit action with a few more people in the room (although I spent most of the set doom moshing and trying to start off a circle pit, but as mein host...).

Standout tracks for me were “Being This Side Of Insane”, “Inch Of Skin” (which contained an absolutely ferocious breakdown section) and the closer “Inertia”, although every song was so well executed that it seems slightly churlish to single certain ones out. Can't wait to see them ripping a new arsehole in the Little Civic on Halloween!

Another MoB has come and gone and what a superb evening it was. Thanks to the bands who all played absolute blinders. Hats off to the new sound crew of Si and Andy from Musoplex studios for delivering a crisp yet punchy sound all evening. My thanks to the crew and especially my long suffering “rock widow” Pink. Not forgetting the staff of the Bear (and the cellar crew!). Last but by no means least, a huge thank you to all who attended – hope you had an enjoyable evening and that we see you at another MoB promotion soon!!