Gig review: Cutting Edge Showcase @ Underworld, Camden - 07/09/09
Tonight wasn't just a gig. It was a 'Cutting Edge' showcase night featuring bands from South East London and Kent, topped off by Alestorm, who are soon taking to the seas on a European tour.
Metalcore mob FALLING EMPIRE (7/10) started things off in their usual fashion. The stomping riffs that accompany them to every local venue were here, but thanks to the in house system sounded bigger than ever. Just like the Band Quest final, FALLING EMPIRE open things up in style.
ECHOES FALL (7) keep the quality high with a sound that rivals the likes of CALIBAN and UNEARTH. Jamie Bennett's vocals were a constant high throughout, the band solid and professional providing a wall of sound that dragged the crowd into the action.
O.M.T (8) follow up an impressive showing at this summers Bloodstock Festival with a performance that threatens to steal the show. Tonight they look and sound gigantic. Mike Steele (drums) and David Steele (bass) form a sturdy rhythm section sending shockwaves bouncing off the walls inside the Underworld while Preston Timmins and Joff Bailey discharge enough Maiden-esque riffs and solos to send the packed and sweaty crowd into raptures. Frontman Stewart Ferguson not only looks like he could tear down the ceiling, his bellowing vocals do their best to destroy the entire venue. What is most impressive is O.M.Ts ability to wedge pieces of melody alongside the aggression, the likes of 'That new reality' sounding irresistible.
Dartford techno metallers SILENT DESCENT (7.5) manage to get past some early sound problems to unleash their electronic-bound fury on Camden. It was always going to be interesting to see how a mainly ALESTORM/metal crowd would respond to a band that at times sound like a heavier PRODIGY covering SCAR SYMMETRY. In truth some of the crowd were bemused, but the majority leapt head first into the action. The heavier moments from local classics such as 'I can I will' drive the death metal influences down the throats of all unbelievers, but even the PRODIGY sample mid-set is greeted with a cheer. SILENT DESCENT up to now have continued to gain new fans wherever they go. Tonight will be no exception.
Headliners ALESTORM (7.5) arrive in port just in time to deliver some well needed pirate metal to a very healthy Monday night Camden crowd. The backing tracks seem a little low in the mix meaning the usual epic sound is replaced with a more raw rum-soaked metallic presence. The folk tinged thrash worked best on the excellent 'Keelhauled' which manages to combine the best of both worlds, throwing in the best chorus of the night for good treasure - sorry measure. 'Captains Morgans revenge' helps pillage the remaining energy levels from the crowd and send everyone off to sea with smiles and swords aloft.
Review by Alan Hicks