Thrashoholic Fest [16/08/2014]

Festival season is almost done, as September looms heavy above our heads, bringing the bad weather with it. But just before it closes out, there's still a couple that are to come. And Thrashoholic Fest last week

Was just one of them.

Nestled deep in Leeds City centre, Thrashoholic not only brought bands from the North together, but the entire country instead. Boasting an impressive 12 bands at just £3 entry, it was just about the best value Fest you'll have seen this year too. Just 25p a band. That won't even buy you a Freddo these days! And it was all organised through the spirit of the UK metal scene coming together. And brought together by Leeds Metal Scene Promotions, who did a great job putting together the line-up.

Arriving in Leeds I immediately got lost in the city centre, before being sent the rescue party of one tipsy Hokumu Blitzkrieg, who helped guide me down to the venue. Even with a complimentary swig of passion fruit cider too! But that's enough about his exotic alcohol tastes.

As we approached the Wharf Chambers in Leeds, to the sound of Exxxekutioner mid set (sorry I missed you guys XIII) You could immediately tell the venue was as DIY as the show at hand. Signing in as guests to the venue (a co-operative club) you could see straight away the homeliness and intamicy of the place. As I walked past the bar to catch Exxxekutioner mid-set in the next room, it was nice to see a good crowd nestled in between the walls this early on. With the crowd already close to max capacity.

As always Exxxekutioner layed down a solid set on full form, really finding their swing after all the experience they've gained live. Only a snap of Mikes strings (for the third time in a row, nonetheless) halting the action of the band. 

Next on was Liverpools latest Thrash offering, Exiled. Bursting straight in with a new drummer, Jimmy, they laid down a solid set, executed perfectly. All members were on top form and seem to have really fell into their elements well. Having a much greater stage presence and confidence since I first saw them at there first show in Liverpool. And their cover of Exodus' Piranha really getting the crowd going.

Following up was local lads, Quake. Fronted by Bill 'Gianni' Paxman, who was intent on getting the crowd going straight from the off. Splits between songs seeming over used as chances to get the crowd participating at times. But overall a really solid performance of both originals and covers at hand.

Insurgency hit the stage next, Malek seemingly fresh off a three day benders a usual! They hit the stage hard, and intense as always. Slaying through a stream of originals and a cover of Sodoms 'Agent Orange' the band certainly played the fuck out of their instruments, as I've come to know of the band. Delivering Teutonic style intensity throughout.

Next up was Leeds Cryptic Shift who seemed like a different band to many others on the bill. Being a mainly groove oriented band, with a slight seasoning of Thrash, it seemed like a different crowd for the band. Which having organisers Ryan Sheperson and Hokumu Blitzkrieg in, I'm sure had a lot of friendly faces in. Never the less, the band performed with a great deal of drama and showmanship, moshing and messing about throughout their set. With the stage being abandoned many a time to accommodate a windmilling member. Even having guitarist Xander ride on the shoulders of vocalist Rob. All round entertaining set from the hosts!

Liverpools second offering RamRaid followed, delivered their set with a fine finesse. Despite being cut a bit short due to a late finish, the boys laid down tracks that are quickly becoming well known such as Reactor 4 and Systematic Genocide. And despite a short set and rather unorganised one as well, put on a great performance. And also a massive thanks for the free t-shirt too!

Next was time for a break, and at the pure insistence of the lads in Exiled we checked out a takeaway a good 15 minutes walk from the venue. Why this is making it in the review I do not know! But they made good pizza, and with fries and a coke for £4 is a pretty good deal. Anyway, next!

The little pit stop unfortunately meant we missed Terror Drone and most of Desolator refuelling, although they can still be caught on the Accelerating over the UK tour currently happening. Be sure to check that out!

Incinery as co-headliners come next, as the penultimate band of the evening. There heavy ended brand of Thrash being executed with finesse throughout. The band aren't a whole lot about theatrics and focus 100% on the music, laying the law down to all those watching.

And that brings us to the final act of the evening, Bludvera. Just there second gig back the five piece, newly reformed from the Terrorform era, laid down a blistering set. Featuring material from both releases and even the previously unreleased 'Inhale The Rings Of Saturn' there was plenty to keep te crowd entertained. And the show even had a sense of nostalgia for a band that have been split less than a year. People singing along to tracks that have left a lasting impression to a new Thrash generation. The set more than wet my appetite for our chance to host them in Manchester in less than a months time. There is no doubt we have a lot to look forward.

Overall a great day! Unless your a bike rider. (You really had to be there to get that reference). But in all seriousness, a massive congratulations to Leeds Metal Scene Promotions for a great premier all dayer.

Roll on next year!

Bloodstock Ones To Watch 2014

With Bloodstock fast approaching, and the set times going up just today, we thought we'd put together a compact list of ones too watch this year. And forget the limelight of the mainstage, we're talking the smaller bands playing the smaller stages. Although no doubt watching large names like Obituary, Emperor, Saxon and Megadeth may be the majority of your weekend, investing just half an hour of the four days to check out one of these less well known bands may well just make your weekend. So, let's crack on!


01. Incinery - Sophe Stage - Thur. 8:05pm

"Thrasher's INCINERY will hit you with a fast, aggressive and uncompromising feast of neck-snapping riffs and face-shredding solos. The all-out riff massacre is accompanied by a bombardment of drudging bass, visceral drums and a devastating attack of low rasping vocals barked out in a machine gun like tirade of aggression."


02. Monument - Sophie Stage - Thur. - 8:55pm

"Formed in the streets of East London by vocalist Peter Ellis (Ex- White Wizzard, The More I See), MONUMENT is bringing back a sound that has been missing from the UK for nearly 30 years... True British Heavy Metal!

With thunderous, melodic bass tones, dual guitar harmonies, rock-solid drum beats and signature falsetto wails, the band is determined to make a difference in today's Metal scene and is celebrating a sound that is rooted in melody and good songwriting that will inspire a new generation of Metal fans.

True Metal is back in the Empire and MONUMENT will undoubtedly be the band at the forefront of this new wave."


03. Ten Foot Wizard - Jagermeister Stage - Fri. 2:50pm

"A juggernaut of power blues stoner rock, milked from the beard of Zeus!"


04. Old Corpse Road - Sophie Stage - Sat. 12:40pm

"The band hail from the North East of England, an area rich with ancient tales and rife with folklore. The line up consists of five members who have played together in various other projects over the last decade, most notably the dark metal band Nemain. We consider our individual identities to be unimportant, although those who ask shall be told. The members of the band are long time friends who form a part of the Nemain Collective. On a personal level the band follow the entire metal scene passionately and regularly attend gigs and rock nights whilst indulging in fine ales and beverages."




05. Synaptik - New Blood Stage - Sat. 3:50pm

"SYNAPTIK is an British heavy metal band from the East Coast of England. Formed in 2012, known to incorporate elements from styles such as thrash, power, progressive.
Synaptik aren't afraid to mix up the influences and certainly don't fear melody with their heavier than a black hole riffage and dynamic vocals, death metal aggressiveness with a progressive, melodic outlook. They draw on influences old and new to create a mutant hybrid sound-scape that makes them stand out."


06. Eradikator - New Blood Stage - Sun. 1:45pm 

"Eradikator are a 4 Piece Thrash Metal Band from Birmingham UK. The birthplace of heavy metal monsters such as Black Sabbath, Napalm Death and Judas Priest. Drawing on all their life and musical influences, Eradikator set out to create face melting, ear shredding Thrash metal that would make even the most hardened metal heads ears hemorrhage liquid steel. Eradikator are commited to the ideal of living in mediocrity to bring Heavy music to the masses and living life as one big raging, smokin party. With a single goal of being able to tour their asses off for the rest of their life's Eradikator are 100% commited to doing whatever it takes to play metal all over the world and have a fucking blast doing it."

Camp Tickle. None more metal!

So there we are! Just a handful of bands to check out at Bloodstock 2014. If you like the sound of any of the bands featured, click their photo above to check out their music. And if you like what you hear get them on that list of bands too see. Us lot in Napalm Promotions will be going this year checking out all the bands we can, so if you happen to see this super cool flag flying in Valhalla come and have a beer with us. See you all there!

Exxxekutioner - Fear The Priest [EP] [2014]

Theres rarely ever a time a local band stir up such a great fuss about an EP launch, for it to not pass as just another date on the the already overflowing calendar. However, Exxxekutioners mention of the production of their debut record earlier this year has had fans salivating for its release ever since. Aptly titled 'Fear The Priest' in the vain of the bands focus in horror and the occult, the EP offers six deadly tracks of the finest old school sound you'll find around today. Exxxekutioner are certainly not trying to hoax anyone in to thinking their an innovative and 'hip' new band. Even showing love for their influences with a thanks to legends Venom on the inner sleeve of the tape. But their also not pretending to be them, and instead forging their own sound from old influences.

I heard they like Venom!

Released earlier this month to the masses, the EP kicks in with the rather haunting build up you'd expect to hear as the title rolls to an '80's goretastic horror movie. Eventually kicking in with a classically styled drum intro that make way for the rests of the instruments and vocals. 'March To Death' certainly offers a lot of catchiness musically. The riffs keep nice and varied throughout. Not being repetitive or overused, and the middle break to the song leading up to the rather bang your head heavy ending make for a great first impression.

Following up is the rather anviguously titled 'B.I.B'' offering much the same as the opening track. Catchy riffs, fast drums and gruff vocals. It's by now you can start to appreciate the choice of live recording as a way to produce the album. Leaving all the rough edges that are usually cut out of today's crisp and clean production standards helps offer a much more full and warm feeling to the production. One that is pronounced and unique, rather than compressed and a bit too clinical. Think of the production a really good steak. Pure cut, and organic.

'Siren Of Divinity' is next up and again offers much of the same. A good solid structuring with great use of riffs and hooks. You can tell the EP isn't going to be massively varied by this point. But the introduction of more melodic passages in this track, and creeping in new features with each track help keep the songs defined and split. And also keeping from the usual Thrash curse of monotony.

Various formats the EP is available on. Patch comes free with the tape version.
Photo credit: Paul Cave.

It's hear we reach the title track 'Fear The Priest' and intensity levels reach peak point. Usually title tracks are the one often slated for being to sterile and safe. But instated it feels like Fear The Priest is the one that sums up Exxekutioner the best, and brings together all their good points. It might be straight up old school worship first hand. But the sheer power and execution (yes, that's a fucking pun!) is done so well, that it feels the band have really quickly found a great niche.

'Maniac Asylum' follows, one of the bands oldest tracks. Straight up frantic from start to finish, the track blazes through some meaty and heavy riffs and an unrelenting pounding of the drums. Not letting off for one second.

The first we heard of Exxxenutioner in the form of 'Black Witchery' closes out the EP. The song which lent it's name to the bands first demo, now playing the swan song to their first official release. It's not actually until I heard this song that I heard one missing element among all songs before it. A guitar solo. And to be honest the fact that there were no solos on the songs before wouldn't even of hit me if I didn't hear it on Black Witchery. The full and heavy sound often being enough to fill my appetite without the need to build up to a solo. Tracks often fulfil there means and provide a rich spectrum without the need for an offering of lead guitar insanity. It really plays testament to them that the short punchy tracks they have written provide an EP's worth of material without solos, and still be a full product.

Overall 'Fear The Priest' is a definite recommendation to any fans of old school metal in general. The mix of Black, Thrash and Death influences make it widely appealing to those with a disposition for metals roots. Maybe a little out of place to anyone wanting a clean cut metal experience. Buy then if you're after that, you should probably re-evaluate your life choices. Whichever you may be though, do give the EP a listen and help support underground UK metal. I know it's an often overused statement, but when you keep your arses as busy as the guys in Exxekutioner, playing shows everywhere they can for fans, and getting straight on writing and recording, they deserve it. Ulthar Records are currently doing a great job helping the band along, sorting recording and distribution, and we certainly want to do our part too! Check out the links below, and get on it!

http://www.ultharrecords.com/products/531156-exxxekutioner-fear-the-priest-ep

L-R of the shade brigade!: Ryan Council (Bass), Cliff Edge (Vocals)Liam Waring (Drums), Mike Woods (Guitar)