Reanimator - Bristol Pear - Sunday 24th February 2008

A change of night and a different genre; tonight, for one night only, four death metal bands for £4.

Walking Corpse were first up. Wasn't expecting too much from them as I was completely underwhelmed by their performance at the Barfly over Christmas supporting I Am Colossus, tonight they were vastly improved. Personnel changes need to be mentioned first, the drummer's last gig also being the first for their new guitarist. Playing as a five piece suits them and I hope their quest for a replacement sticksman is swift. Far heavier and cohesive their setlist was "Undead", "Fuck Numetal", "Resident Evil", "Online Terrorism", "Bodybag", (cover) "Fuck Your Enemy", "Urban Terrorist" and "Can't Be Arsed". They are a young band who could make an impact in time.

Neandertahl. Thanks to Shakeel for the CD which will be reviewed soon. The band comprises Darren on six string bass and vocals, and brothers Aleem on guitar and Shakeel on drums; they were joined tonight by one of the guitarists from Hospital Of Death for whom Shakeel also plays. Mindblowing technical metal which reminded me of heavier Dream Theater, incredibly intricate and stunningly performed. Staggering performance from exceptional musicians, guitarists took turns to shred and weave complex patterns. Awesome bass player and a jaw-dropping display on the drums from Shakeel who gave the kit a fearful pounding - immense snare sound. Quite simply one of the best sets I have seen for a long time and can't wait to see them again; if they stay together for any length of time they deserve to be huge. Go and see them if you get a chance - superb.

Nailed. Back to Deicide-style no-nonsense brutality. Need to see them again as the sound tonight just wasn't working for them. Awful drum sound, couldn't hear the snare or toms and the cymbals were tinny, bass was very sludgy which was a pity as he was using a five string fretless. Played with conviction, I will reserve judgement on them until I've heard them properly.

Condemned. Definitely need to add a second guitarist. The one they have can shred and would not look out of place in a stoner band or indeed a wetsuit at Newquay! He needs back-up to underpin his efforts though. Bass sound still sludgy (another fretless player this time a four string) but at least the drums sounded better. Intricate death metal their setlist comprised "Leave Me Alone (Or I'll Kill Again)", "Caesarean Dissection", "The Dark Place", "Bits Of Her Everywhere", "Here Come My Eyes", "Every Last Cruelty", "Death Followed", "Almost Cannibal" and "Criteria For A Massacre" - so no ballads then?!! Think the song titles may just give the game away... savage.

Exceptional value for money again from the Reanimator crew - thank you. Pity about the shamefully low turnout, extreme metal fans clearly don't like gigging on a Sunday night! Despite which all the bands attacked their sets with gusto and hats off to them all for that as it must have been difficult. Quality set from Neandertahl has to be singled out and I look forward to meeting up with Shakeel and his Hospital Of Death buddies on the 15th March for Reanimator's third birthday bash - headlined by Gama Bomb this could be an early contender for gig of the year; review to follow soon!!