PlanetMosh Keeping it Metal
I first saw this band on the 4th of November this year at Academy 3, for their debut EP launch party ‘Towards the Sun’. That was one hell of a night, so I was very much looking forward to seeing them again at Satan’s Hollow.
A disappointing start to the evening I have to say, due to lack of organization, the band was not announced and there was no introduction. They were halfway through their first song ‘Rises’ before we realized it was not a sound check.
Kicking into their second song ‘Frustrate Recluse’ the energy improved and started to feel like an actual performance. By this time they had a good crowd, which I felt really boosted the whole atmosphere.
If you have ever been to Satan’s Hollow you know the sound is never quite right there, the levels seem to be all over the place and there is always feedback. Betreaus got away with it lightly and still managed to get across their awesome technical progressive sound.
The one thing I extremely like about Betraeus is the balance they have of progressive death metal and melody. The different dynamics they use gives their music an edge, making it addictive to listen to and compelling to watch.
Moving into their fourth song ‘Obsolete’ things really did start to heat up. It was more of a thrash sound which the audience really got into. The solos were highly skilful and fastidious making them really intense. From a spectators point of view you were transfixed in the moment.
The chemistry on stage between them is outstanding. To say they are a young band, their talent is extraordinary. This can be seen strongly in Chris Sykes vocals, he has good control and quality to his voice that gives him the ability to achieve roaring vocals and hit the higher notes in the more melodic sections.
They introduced a new song, a song so new it didn’t even have a title yet; it was also an insight to what we will expect from their new album which should be released in 2012, I look forward to it.
They are very much inspired by bands like Pantera, Opeth and Decapitated, but because of their many influences and fine lines between different metal genres you can’t clearly define their sound.
The bass player Benjamin Edwards is quite the expert in playing his 6-string and drummer Paddy Monaghan creates an awesome heavy backline. It would have been really interesting if they had a bass and drum solo.
Now obviously save the best till last, the final song ‘Towards the Sun’ which is an epic ten minutes long. The crowd was in uproar when it ended leaving a buzz that was just incredible.
Betraeus are a playful band giving us an added bonus of comedy between song changes. This band deserved to be headliner tonight; they deserved a larger audience and a longer set. In the next couple of years or so who knows what to expect from these guys, the one thing I do know is whatever it is it will be momentous.
Début EP ‘ Towards The Sun’ – Out Now!
Set List
Rises
Frustrate Recluse
Locust
Obsolete
‘New Song’
Towards The Sun
Pictures courtesy of John McGibbon Photography.
