23. Dakesis– Sophie Lancaster stage – Saturday 12th of August – mid-afternoon.

There will be some tremendous vocals on display over the weekend but believe me, for power, reach and just general elegance none will match the set of pipes possessed by Gemma Lawler. Her day job is vocal coach but when she  is not screaming " diaphragm, diaphragm” she is chief wailer with Birmingham prog metalers Dakesis. Her range is simply stunning. It fluctuates from smooth and sultry to domineering and booming within the space of a single track.

She also possesses oodles of stage presence, bounding around the shop like some hyperactive puppy off on their first adventure. Musically they create a rich and alluring variant of prog metal that leans into the pomp and bombastity with a knowing smile. So if you like your music being and widescreen and you like your vocals clean, crisp and similarly monolithic then this is your Saturday afternoon sorted.