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!
