Gig Reviews

Skepticism and Pantheist, St Giles In The Fields Church, London, 28th January 2012

Words and photos by Antony Roberts

Finland's Skepticism may have formed back in 1991 but they had never made it to the British Isles in the 21 years since their conception.  This last weekend brought about a halting to their abstinence, as they showcased a monstrous live performance in London.  

The setting was St Giles In The Fields Church in Holborn right in

Conan/Dead Existence/Sea Bastard/Pus - Brighton Cowley Club - Saturday 21 January 2012

By Gary Lukes

Right from the start, The Cowley Club sets itself off as a little bit different. Waiting at the heavy entrance door for the doorbell to be answered, you’d be forgiven for expecting a rendezvous with some kind of clandestine coalition. However, rather than being greeted by some malefic, cowled figure, we are instead invited in by a friendly doorman, the venue inside presenting itself as somewhere between a drop-in centre and a bookshop, offering no actual stage. Most crucially, the acoustics seem clear and the foundations suitably sturdy. Which is the biggest relief of all, as tonight’s line-up will test both to their limit.

Unfortunately, we arrive just in time to hear Pus winding down their set of twisted, hateful sludge. Living up to their name, the South Wales act seep diseased, down-tuned destruction from their crusty, open wounds. Monstrous howls and driving percussion pulsating amongst

Pentagram, Horisont, Purson, at the Highbury Garage, 9th December 2011

Words and Photos by Antony Roberts

Arriving at the Garage and there was a queue, a big queue, but that was to be completely expected.  This after all was the first time that doom legends Pentagram had played in the UK.  Can it really be 30 years with no dates on the British Isles? 

Whilst the crowd were trying to get in to the venue for this very special occasion, new London based group Purson were already showcasing their take on 70's rock.  Fans of Blood Ceremony will certainly lap them up.  Whilst I'm sure if this band get bigger singer Rosalie will be stealing a few of Christina Scabbia's vote's in Terrorizer's polls, a band can't rely on looks alone.  Thankfully musically they've got the

Live Review: Altar Of Plagues, Grumbling Fur, Necro Deathmort, Borderline London, 4th December 2011

Words and photos Antony Roberts

After watching Altar Of Plagues slay at Candlefest just a few weeks ago there was no way I was going to miss another chance to catch them again.  With such an amazing debut album (White Tombs) it was with baited breath that the metal world awaited the sophomore effort Mammal to come out this year.  Between the two gigs many Top XX albums of the year lists have come out from numerous blogs, sites and magazines and time and time again Mammal was right up there near the top of the lists.  Having already seen

Live Review: Defenders Of The Faith III - Trivium, In Flames, Ghost, Rise To Remain, Insense, Plymouth Pavillions 8th December 2011

Photos by Martin Thomas (www.gigsnapper.com)

Words by Julian Dark

The Defenders of the Faith juggernaut rolls into a wet and windy Plymouth for the final night of their seven date tour, the five band strong line-up providing a veritable feast of top notch metal for the discerning West Country gig aficionado.

Kicking off proceedings shortly after the 6 O’clock news has just gone to air, Insense set the tone for the night with a powerful 20-25 minute slot. Their crushingly heavy, no frills, sound resonates well with the hardcore fans that are in situ from the start, with frontman Tommy Hjelm soon building an excellent rapport with the

Premonition 13, Trippy Wicked and the Cosmic Children of The Knight, Enos
Thursday 1st December 2011

Words and photos by Antony Roberts

I've got to say I really like the Purple Turtle in Camden, bar prices are a bit over the top, but the PA sound is generally good, stage is a good height and security are nice enough.  I've heard rumours they are trying to slow down on metal events and get a more dance nights happening.  If this is the case it will be a great shame, London needs more venues like this.

Tonight I was there to see Wino bending his strings with his

The Devil's Blood.
Camden Underworld, Friday 25th November 2011

Words and photos by Antony Roberts

Search on the internet, or in past magazines for gig reviews for The Devil's Blood, and you will find write ups of the few shows they have played, hailing them as one of the shows of a lifetime.  I'm one of those souls that have stumbled on the band late, very late.  Reading all the furore about past shows I thought it about high time I go see this band in the flesh.

The Underworld was certainly busy, but not as packed as i've seen other shows, which surprised me greatly with the utterly fanatic reviews their live shows have received.  The print press has been pouring over them recently with large interviews in Zero Tolerance and Terrorizer in the last month or two.  To be fair

Serpent Venom, Conan, Grimpen Mire
Hobgoblin, Angel, London 26th November 2011

Words and Photos by Antony Roberts

This gig was originally meant to take place at The Black Heart in Camden, but was switched in the last week or two before the event to the Hobgoblin in Angel.  A new venue for this metalhead, so off I went to try and locate said pub.  Situated conveniently close to Angel station, initial impressions were good.  It was a reasonable size, smaller than the Unicorn which also hosts free gigs in London, but large enough to mean the bands had brought some serious backline with them.  Drinks were reasonably priced (for London) and bar staff were cheery enough.  Anyway enough about the venue, onto the bands!

Candlefest 2011 - London Camden Underworld - Saturday, 12 November 2011

By Gary Lukes

Photos by Antony Roberts

Long regarded as one the bastions of the underground metal scene, it’s possible that Candlelight has never shone as bright as in recent years. Having bolstered its impressive roster with some of the finest international artists, you could be forgiven for forgetting some of the acts closer to home. That's why nights like these remind you with stinging clarity just how strong the scene is in the UK and Ireland.

Commencing proceedings were

Vader

Gorgoroth, Vader, Valkyrja and The Sickening, live at Camden Underworld, Monday 14th November 2011

Live review and photos by Antony Roberts

Arriving late the first support band The Sickening, could already be heard from outside.  Coming into the downstairs bar I was hit with the sounds of slammy grooves, drums and bass, but unfortunately my excitement was short lived.  Venturing into the main room I was met with