I Hate You More & Adust -
Asylum - Saturday 30th August 2008
A new venue for the Chopmeister to check out
with two much seen and admired bands on the bill. Cancellations
from Theory Of All and Musta Talvi meant the
opening slot went to...
Adust. Another assured performance
and good to see the guys in fine form a week before their headlining
appearance at the next Millennium
Of Blood. Tried and trusted setlist (i.e the mini album!!)
showcased just how good their songwriting abilities are. The intro
into "Fall Of Man" set the tone, "Prinzessin"
was as stunning as ever, and the set closer "Forevermore"
was staggeringly good. The band collectively looked at home on
the sizeable stage, considerable movement from all (especially
Guy!) made for an eye-catching display. Fellas, continue to improve
at this pace and who knows where you'll end up. Musically as tight
as ever, this was a ferocious set, underpinned by strong melodies.
It's always nice to be pummelled senseless by a band who possess
such finesse! Can't wait to see you tear The
Bear apart next week - it's going to be brutal...
I Hate You More are a band I've
seen a lot over the last twelve months. Tonight's performance
was the seventh time I've seen them, and they never disappoint.
Despite a mostly static time on stage, they remain a force to
be reckoned with, the strength of their songwriting being the
main reason. They carry on the Machine Head and Pantera
way of music - skull-crushing riffs played at breakneck speed,
always delivered with a smile and a swagger. The opener "Crossed
The Line" was a clear and brutal statement of intent.
If that didn't set the tone, then the next section certainly left
you in no doubt what they are all about! Four songs played back
to back, all delivered clinically and savagely - "Retrospect",
"Shame Will Be Thy Forgiveness", "Decide"
and "Bloodshed" - awesome. "Shattered
Existence" and "Chokehold" continued
the onslaught, before a neck-snapping rendition of "Unlock
The Hatred" rounded things off.
The Asylum looks set to be a very popular new
addition to the Birmingham music scene. Good sized venue, with
a large stage and excellent accoustics. This was the launch night
for a live music followed by rock disco series of evenings; I
see no reason why they won't do well.
Both bands tonight were on top form and produced
sets of jaw-dropping power. If you see them advertised playing
a gig near you, check them out. Beaming grins and sore necks are
guaranteed as you leave the venue! It will be interesting to see
what transpires for these two bands in the next twelve months.
If there's any justice they deserve to be thrust ever more prominently
into the metal spotlight. Fingers crossed fellas, let's hope Lady
Luck is with you. And if she is, don't forget the triple AAAs!!!
