PlanetMosh Keeping it Metal
Opening the nights proceedings at this North Wales triple header are local heroes Inferno (8/10) who see this nights set as a valuable warm up before there forthcoming slot at this years Hammerfest shindig in a couple of weeks time. If you’ve not come across this band before think Q.O.T.S.A. meets Motorhead but harder and you’re not far wide of the mark. Tracks such as ‘Are You Alive’ and ‘The Lions Den’ amongst others really come across well on stage, showcasing the bands obvious talent and enthusiasm. For a three piece band the sound is pretty immense the set closing to well deserved applause.
Next up are Ipswich based thrashers Elimination (8/10) who’s second album ‘The Blood Of Titans’ saw release last year to much acclaim, and it’s acclaim well deserved as the band power through a skull crushing set that leaves no one in doubt that this is a band destined for much bigger things. Vocalist Neil Stevens knows how to command a stage to a tee, and with the rest of the boys providing a really tight and professional unit tracks such as ’Reflections Of The Forsaken’, ’Destroyed By Creation’ and the superb set closer ’Claustrophobia’ have never sounded better. Recent years has seen a big resurgence in the Thrash scene and to be honest few do it better than these guys.
With successful appearances at Bloodstock and Hammerfest already under their belts Triaxis (9/10) have gained many plaudits from the music industry and it’s pretty plain to see why. Their debut album ‘Key To The Kingdom’ released in 2009 provided them with a healthy fan base which due to the bands extensive touring since has seen them grow and grow in popularity. The bands style draws obvious comparisons to Maiden and Priest but in female vocalist Krissie, Triaxis have a trump card. Her vocal range is nothing short of astounding , full of power and raw emotion that few in the Female Fronted Metal genre can match let alone better. From set opener ’Sand And Silver’ onwards the assault is relentless, tracks such as ’The Geisha And The King’ showcase the bands writing talents well but to be honest the whole set is exceptionally strong. Having said that the band are not afraid to throw in a cover or two, ending the set and night with excellent versions of Maidens ’The Evil That Men Do’ and ’The Wicker Man’.
An excellent night of North Wales Metal in a great 100 year old venue ,more please.
Catch Elimination and Triaxis on the ’End Of Days’ tour throughout March.
Photos- Simon and Petrina Bower.
