Reanimator - Bristol Pear - Saturday 19th July 2008

Another potentially explosive lineup headlined by one of Crowning Glory's first outings as a five piece. Surely another night of metal mayhem?!

Echovirus from Brighton were up first. Thanks to both guitarists for the lengthy chats shortly after your set, and to Andy in particular for the setlist and ongoing MySpace dialogue! They inhabit that grey area lurking in between thrash, death and metalcore and played a blistering set. Thrakis and Andy were in fine shredding form, the rhythm section was solid as a rock and the vocals suitably aggressive. Played five original songs - Fragments, Bleeding Skies, "Collateral, Our Dying Ours and Prelude To Dystopia - and set a very high standard for the rest of the bands to follow. An entertaining performance, hopefully it won't be long before they visit the Midlands again.

Dark Forest continue their chameleon-like existence. This was the third time I'd seen them in the last nine months. First time out they were basically a "big four" style thrash act. Second display was more subdued and melodic with strong folk/Gaelic overtones. This performance was a combination of the two. Brutal at times, melodic and intricate at others, they served up an entertaining set. Thanks for the CDs fellas, it will be interesting to see how your studio work compares, expect a bulletin soon! Tonight's setlist was Fear Dearg, Wizard Of Aldeley Edge, Dyed In Crimson, Hollow Hills, Battle Of Badon Hill and Fight for Metal. Another band to keep an eye on, it will be interesting to see how they develop over the next twelve months or so.

Darkest Era are from Ireland and not surprisingly exhibit a Celtic feel to their music. Folk riffs mix with classic/power metal with a sprinkling of the darker forms of rock thrown in for good measure. Thanks to Ade for the setlist and CD, again the studio review will follow shortly. The guitarists Ade and Sarah play Gibson Les Pauls very adeptly. David on bass and Lisa on drums form a powerhouse rhythm section. Dwayne completes the lineup and spent the majority of the set prowling around behind the three guitarists, or marauding around the crowd. Managed to have chats with Ade, Sarah and Lisa towards the end of the evening and found them to be charming company. Hope you visit these shores again soon. The intro tape over the band launched into The Morrigan followed by Visions Of The Dawn, On The Crest Of Doom, Another World Awaits, An Dagda Awakens and Children Of The Gods. Quality set from a band who deserve to do well.

Crowning Glory played a superb set when I saw them earlier in the year but thought they needed a second guitarist. Well now they've got one. Steve has fitted into the band very quickly and allowed the band to develop greater harmonies and fill out the sound when Tom shreds. They were better than good before, now they are phenomenal. I confidently predict that if they can record an album that gets anywhere near showcasing their live ability, they will join the big league very quickly. This was a very special performance from the off. The intro into Dead Man's Paradise straight into Sands Of Time was nothing short of astonishing. For those of you who don't know the band I'll attempt to do them justice. The band play classic/power metal with the occasional sleaze riff thrown in for good measure. It's all done with such panache that it looks effortless. And then they have a vocalist, Rob, who possesses a set of pipes that remind you of Halford in his prime. Soaring doesn't even begin to describe his range. Turning To Evil and Souls On The Run preceded a mindblowing cover of Maiden's Children of The Damned. After a quick retune, The Devourer, Crime, Winter In Our Blood and the inevitable Sea Of Dead Dreams completed a set which seemed to be over in the blink of an eye. An encore was a necessity and Dio's Holy Diver rounded off a memorable display.

Congratulations to the Reanimator team once again for a stunning evening. Four entertaining sets, it will not take a genius to work out the recipient of the band of the night award. Crowning Glory are an incredible live band; if you are going to Bloodstock miss this band at your peril!