*Photography: Tomasz WrobelIf there's something great in this world it rarely begins with the words "free entry". But if this titan of a line-up was anything to go by there is hope left in the world yet.
Taking place in the Metal Mecca that is the Firehouse in Southampton, and with more genres than you can shake a stick at, this was a guaranteed banger of a night.
Kicking off the proceedings were the relative newcomers to the scene SHADOWS OF SERENITY. But with the well oiled mash of hardcore and metal that we know and love, they soon win over the crowd. Not the only band to suffer from a slightly muddy mix however, this does little to qualm the band. With tracks that wouldn't sound out of place on the main stage at a festival it is a set that is over far too quickly. With a little work on their stage presence this band will quickly move on to larger outings.
Bringing the grindy goodness that genre heavyweights sometimes struggle with, THE BROOD showed why you don't need more than 2 minutes to perform an aural assault. Condensing rapid fire riffs and impeccable drum work it is difficult to keep track as vocals are spat to an ever growing crowd. If you ever want to lose track of time and become one with the darker side of life. This band is for you.
Somewhat of the elders of the tour, BLEED AGAIN bring some heavily KILLSWITCH ENGAGE inspired swagger to the melting pot. An altercation with the crowd proves the band's professionalism as they carry on with more fury and complete precision than before. New tracks blend perfectly with older ones, and show just why this band are placed where they are on the bill tonight. Expect big things from these guys, an unmatched presence and raw musicianship are an excellent mix.
If you love squeals of the pig variety, and brutal downtempo beatdown then MONASTERIES provide this in insane quantities. Sounding like the bastard son of BLACK TONGUE and THE CONTORTIONIST the potent mix reaches critical mass as the beatdowns just keep coming. The tri-pronged guitar attack is deployed to great effect and even the synchronised head banging manages to be non-cheesy. With the crowd left gasping for more, MONASTERIES leave The Firehouse decimated and sonically destroyed.
