Rotunda - Black Horse - December 7 2007

Free entry to see 3 bands at a new (to me) venue - bring it on...........

Ultio - missed the first couple of tracks due to the lengthy queue at the downstairs bar. Enjoyed what I saw - modern doom/death metal, well played and well received. They are working on a demo at the moment and are worth keeping an eye on.

I Hate You More - suitably impressed when they played the opening slot at the Metal Meltdown day, tonight they were quite simply brutal. Quality metalcore, most obviously influenced by Pantera/Machine Head, they worked the crowd well from the off with a display of effortless power. Their debut album is due to be released in March and I genuinely can't wait. As good as they were at the Barfly this performance was a vast improvement and the band were clearly having fun - both during the set and afterwards when we were invited to have a jar or two with them. Great bunch of guys who deserve to do well - looking forward to seeing them at this venue on the 21st.

Rotunda - just been signed and played a belter of a set. Old school punk played with real conviction, again vastly improved from the Meltdown gig (especially the rhythm guitarist who seemed far more at home).

Small stage and viewing area make for a great opportunity to be practically on the stage; accoustics are surprisingly good too. Band of the night award goes without hesitation to I Hate You More - stick at it guys and thanks for the beers!! Hopefully I will be able to get a set-list later in the month to flesh out the next review!!