Suicide Samurai from Oldham open tonight’s proceedings. They're a new proggy-grungy-metal band on the local scene for only a month or so, and let me tell you they promise good things. There’s plenty of raw energy and emotion in the vocals, which are matched by the skilled musicianship of the entire band. The songs are heavy, yet melodic, with a strong sense of dynamics. When I say grunge I’m not talking about a nostalgia trip, this is a band that is taking the sound of the 90’s and putting a twist on it of their own. Anyone looking for something fresh locally should give these guys their support and get along to see them.

Sanhedrin are a band that are determined to bring the thrash, the death, and the metal all together in one package. They've got a great balance between the thrash and death elements, and it makes for a really exciting listening experience. These guys bring some seriously heavy vibes with their guitar tones and overall sound. The vocals growl with intensity, there’s excellent and tight drumming, complementary driving guitar, and a serious looking bassist. This all adds up to definite potential here. But for me, the lack of a thrilling lead guitarist leaves something missing. Overall, it's enjoyable death and riding metal, but it needed a little more nuance to take it to the next level.

Main support are London’s thrash-tastic Inhuman Nature. These guys know how to bring the speed and the aggression that we all love in thrash metal, with guitar riffs that are fast and furious, drums are pounding, and vocals full of raw energy. It's like a shot of thrashy adrenaline straight to the heart. They bring a good level of energy to the stage, and their musicianship matches this well. The guitar riffs are groovy and violent, with real bite and aggression that personify that true thrash punk metal demands. With a bass player straight out of a punk band and a lead guitarist that will certainly impress, they've got a fun, punky sound that's heavily influenced by early thrash, so if you're a fan of that mix you won't be disappointed. The drums are solid, vocals brutal, and the entire band are definitely not afraid to put on a show. If you're feeling a little bit punk and a little bit thrashy, then you might just want to give these guys a go.

Headliners Cryptic Shift describe themselves as phenomenal technological astro-death (coined from a Metal Hammer article about them), but there’s no doubting they are a leading part of the reboot of early 90’s prog-death metal. These guys are straight up technical wizards on their instruments. The bass and guitar tapping is next level, and the death vocals add a gnarly edge to their sound. I’m immediately engaged through their impressive mix of technical skill and musicianship. The death vocals add a powerful edge to the sound, and there is no shortage of energy and drive. But here's the thing, these aren't traditional songs, it's more about the musicianship. It's like Pink Floyd on steroids, but then it takes a sharp turn into uncharted territory. Arguably, the band prioritises musicianship over songwriting, as there is a feeling that the music lacks structure and cohesiveness. But if you're looking for something to scratch that tech-death tinted intricate and technical brilliance itch, Cryptic Shift could well be the band for you. 

Check the “In The Flesh” page for more photos!

Cryptic Shift, Inhuman Nature, Sanhedrin, Suicide Smaurai