DESTRUCTION OF WREXHAM
Central Station, Wrexham
25/9/2011
For ages the metal scene in the North-West have often been overlooked, there has been many bands around these parts who have been releasing demo’s and E.P’s and putting on a string of stunning perfomances. Most of those bands are playing here tonight, some are just starting out and most who have been playing for a few years.
Starting with ALL HANDS ON DECK who are the last-minute addition to the bill, clearly they are a band just starting out, only playing 4 songs, one of which is a Bring Me The Horizon cover, musicianship isnt great to begin with and frontman Ben Jones needs to interact a little more to the crowd to get them at least moving. Im going to give them the benefit of the doubt here as they are a band starting out, riffs-wise they do have good intentions but once they have their line-up sorted
and get a few more practices done, I reckon they’ll have something good going on.
Next up are BEFALL THE AFTERMATH who are no strangers to the scene, I witnessed them playing a very good set at Tribal Jam in Oswestry earlier this year, and tonight
theyve improved, sounding tight and the riffs are well-executed and Kevin Purchase’s vocals complements the music perfectly. Ones to watch for the future.
Fresh from their superb set at Bloodstock, IMPALED EXISTENCE up the ante even more by delivering their Progressive Death Metal songs to their usual perfection,
frontman Danny Hughes pumps up the crowd brilliantly and the rest of the band are playing without a care in the world, crushing most bands that stand in their way, IMEX have shown that they are one of the most consistent live bands that the UK has to offer.
Slowing down the pace are Manchester’s BETRAEUS who play an excellent set, think Opeth but with more riffs and more uplifting. Playing songs from their forthcoming
E’P ‘Towards The Sun’, the musicianship is excellent, they range from heavy riffing to mellow clean guitar playing, they end proceedings with the title-track of their
impending E.P proves to be the perfect way to finish the set.
Nothing could prepare the crowd of whats to come when Cheshire metallers THIS IS TURIN come onstage, from start to finish they have the whole room in the palm of their
hands, frontman Darryl Jones is without doubt one of the best up and coming vocalists in the North-West, possibly even the UK, ranging from high pitched screaming to
low growls, he can do pretty much do anything his band could throw at him, intricate Deathcore-like riffing along with pounding frantic double bass drumming, its hard
not to go berserk, each song has been delivered effortlessly, this is a band who looks like theyre enjoying themselves onstage which is refreshing to see. Awesome
stuff.
Fresh from their set at the Dean Guitars Party in London, Shropshire thrashers ARCEYE have a daunting task of keeping up the momentum the previous band have created,
not only have they kept it up, they took it to a whole new level. Playing songs such as ‘Slaughtered’ and ‘Time And Tide’, both of which have become regular albeit
popular staples in their set, the dual guitar work of Dave Roberts and Luke Durston is just so tight and just downright mind blowing its like chewing gum for the eyes
and ears, every song and every note is played with such precision its hard to even turn your attention to something else. Vocalist/Bassist Al Llewellyn enjoys some banter
with the Wrexham faithful, particularly when he enjoys a beer or 2. Definately the best band of the night.
Final band to play are Symphonic Groove Metallers XERATH, who end the night in bombastic fashion. On record, these guys are known for their Film Score compositions with
their Groove Metal sound, and by adding the orchestral sound as their backing track for the live shows only creates the epic atmosphere within the venues they play in.
Along with their brilliant unique sound, Xerath have the musicianship to match, Guitarist Owain Williams and bassist Chris Clark both play out of their skins, and drummer
Michael Pitman proves why he is one of the best drummers in the UK, and vocalist Richard Thomson is on fine form, pumping up the crowd and showcasing his amazing vocal
display. Out of all their songs tonight ‘Reform III’, ‘False History’and set closer ‘Unite To Defy’ are hands down the highlights of their set, its almost as if youre
listening to a Movie Soundtrack with extra heavy Guitar work with the Surround Sound cranked up to the max. Fantastic end to the night!
So there you have it, undeniable proof that the local metal scene is very much alive, most of these bands that have played here tonight have huge potential to go places with their music, dont be surprised if you hear that at least one of these bands play in major festivals or high profile support slots. This is a truly exciting time for local Metal, and the future is looking very bright indeed.
words by Graeme Williams
