Skullfox - Flapper & Firkin - Saturday 10 January 2009

After a three week gap the Chopmeister returns to live music! First gig of the year and five bands to review – bonus!

Zombie Xtras were up first and had one of those gigs they'd probably like to forget. Technical difficulties galore culminated with the vocalist's cordless mic packing up. Still, they soldiered on and you have to admire them for that. They weren't helped by the sound either, but from what I could tell they lurk somewhere in the traditional doom/stoner area. Sounded a bit thin to me and I would definitely recommend a second guitarist be added to the ranks. Some of the pedal effects worked well and the bass tone was superb throughout. Songs were very predictable I'm afraid and the “guess how the riff will progress” challenge was a no-contest. First time I've seen them so I'll give them the benefit of the doubt. Setlist; “Killing Fields”, “O'Peirshi”, “Devil In The Flesh”, “Invisible God”, “Red Neck Agenda” (dedicated mockingly to a certain Mr Bush – good effort!), and “Tales Of The Damned”.

Pray For Divinity parted company with their bass player hours before the gig but still played – fair play fellas. Another band being viewed for the first time and again the jury will have to stay out. Closest way of describing their sound would be a soundclash between Bring Me The Horizon and Killswitch Engage. Vocals were a mix of clean and screamed, musically they were solid enough but again formulaic. Hopefully their quest for a replacement bassist will be swift, I'd be interested to hear what they sound like with the extra oomph. Setlist; “Threat Level”, “Breaking Dawn”, Instrumental, “Transparency”, “Kinesis”, and “Untitled” (new song).

Adust had a healthy following and, spurred on by their support, delivered a note-perfect set of precision extreme metal. The majority of the set was from their hugely enjoyable mini-album, although they aired a new song early on; if this is a pointer of what the forthcoming EP will sound like then I'm drooling with anticipation. “The Evil That Dwells Within” is a complex song that tugs its forelock to Opeth and modern prog in general. Heavy yet layered this one will be absolutely crushing once it's been played live for a while. First time I'd heard it live and it slays! The rest of the set was just as clinical, and I'm struggling to think of a performance from them I've enjoyed more. Keep spreading the Adust love like this fellas and it's only a matter of time. Stylish and brutal in equal measure, the new EP should catapult them to a wider audience methinks. Setlist; “Fall Of Man”, “The Evil That Dwells Within”, “Prinzessin”, “Blinded By Ignorance”, and “Forevermore”.

Leamington's Left To Bleed had a tough act to follow but follow it they did... another stunning set. They are normally described as melodic death metal but this is way too restrictive. Yes there were In Flames style moments, equally there were black metal and folk influences too. What was most striking was the way the songs flowed and seemingly bounced at the same time, whilst still delivering neck snapping riffs. And they too were confident enough to air new material; “As Pale Light Glows” was played for the first time tonight, and set closer “Extinction: Evolution To Hold” was played for the second time yet they fitted into the set like old classics. Their most recent EP is well worth a listen and if they keep unleashing sets like this I'm sure 2009 will be a good year for them. Another clinically executed performance made to look effortless. Setlist; “Left To Bleed”, “Where Future Turns To Past”, “As Pale Light Glows”, “Implosion To The Resolution”, “Fall Through Infinity”, and “Extinction: Evolution To Hold”.

And so Skullfox had the thankless task of following two stunning sets to an ever thinning crowd as the clock ticked closer to the witching hour. Give them their due they gave it a very good go. Millennium Of Blood were honoured to have them open the October gig, since then it's all been happening, most notably with the drummer on that night leaving. His replacement has settled in very quickly and the band were admirably tight. They write good songs with solid riffs and hooks and have a bright future ahead. Very assured on stage for a band so young, Blackheath could have a real contender on their hands. Bizarrely my favourite moment was the rock cover of Kernkraft 400's “Zombie Nation” - a brave move but good to see the band having the confidence to play such a contrasting song to their usual classic rock/stoner style. Definitely one to keep an eye on... Setlist; “Count Me Out”, “For The Sake Of Retribution”, “Today”, “DMT” (new song), “Zombie Nation”, “Thoughts”, and “Last Drags” (incorporating a snippet of the Pistols' “Pretty Vacant”).

What a start to the New Year! If this is a good indicator of what the year holds we're in for a blinder. Great value for money with the final three bands all being highly entertaining. Hope we can catch up soon fellas!

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