The Heretic Order – Craufurd Arms, Milton Keynes – 6th December 2017

First up tonight were Fyresky, a fairly new band from Kent/Essex. I’d seen them play in August, and while four months isnt a long time, there was a clear improvement in how they sound and perform in that time. They’ve got a strong visual image and seem very confident, not letting the small turnout bother them. They play some very good rock and use the stage well, and for the final song even venture off the stage to play among the audience members. It’s a very good set and it was good to see a good percentage of the crowd visiting their merch stand after their set.

Then it was time for The Heretic Order, the band formed by former Breed 77 guitarist Danny Felice, or to use his new stage name, Lord Ragnar Wagner. He’s the mastermind behind the band, writing all the music and lyrics and he’s got a clear vision for the band (check out our interview with him to learn more). With their lyrics covering the occult, evil and other related subjects, they too have a strong image. Musically it’s heavy metal – not symphonic, technical, death, thrash or any of the many sub genres, it’s just straightforward metal that has a modern fresh sound.
As you’d expect, with only one album out the set was mainly songs from that album, but they did include two new songs (“Omens” and “Evil rising”) that will be on their second album – due out some time in 2018. They sounded fantastic and after tonight I’m look forward to hearing the new album.
They did include one cover version – a tribute to the one and only Lemmy, a cover of the Motorhead classic, Killed by death. They certainly did it justice.

Both bands tonight had strong images. Musically they’re very different styles but both were extremely good, and it’s a shame that there wasn’t a better turnout but a midweek gig a few weeks before Christmas is always going to be a tough one to attract a big crowd to. A great night.

The Heretic Order setlist:

Ghost tale
El Baile de los muertos
Don’t believe the lies
Omens
Rot in hell
Death ride blues
The Snake
Killed by death
Evil rising
Burn witch burn

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