IT was a cold night that saw me heading down the A339 to Alton and one of my favourite venues.
The Lounge Bar, formerly fondly known as 'The Commie' is located in the Community Centre which truly does serve the local community. This night of music was for the 'kids', both young and not so young, to savour a bit of metal madness.
First up and from Surrey were End of Salvation who I do not believe I have seen before. They were wonderfully heavy, really tight, medium tempo and a great band to kick off the night with.
I guess I would call them death metal in flavour, but labels mean nothing, it all depends on how they make you feel when you watch them, and I was feeling really good, really mellow - just what I needed after a difficult week.
Next up were Hollowfield from Guildford, who looked like they were going to be a hard-core band. They had a very powerful musical opening, expectations rose, but alas fell as the vocals kicked in - not quite what I was expecting a little out of sync with the initial impression.
The set progressed and the music remained great, but I could just not warm to the vocal style. I note they bill themselves as alt metal and I may have to sample it (and them) a bit more before making up my mind.
May support was provided by Waking Angel from Farnham who were clearly the most popular band of the night. There had been a decent crowd thus far all night, but now it became even more packed.
They were quite young (still teenagers), but full of confidence and great musicians. I think their metal label might be a bit more aspirational, for whilst the music was undoubtedly metal, the main vocals generally weren't and they overall effect was like an emo-throwback.
I enjoyed them nevertheless and look forward to seeing them again in a few months time, if only to see their crowd going crazy-ape-bonkers.
The headline band were Biolith, who formerly hailed from Winchester, but with their new line up, they can be rightfully claimed as a Basingstoke band. Now this was metal, pure and simple. It was fast and hard and heavy and loud.
They played a good mix of new and older more well known songs and also got a pretty good reception from the crowd. They have had some ups and downs over the last few years, but I am glad they have hung on in there, keeping the metal dream alive.
Thanks to all the bands who played, to Matt for the sound and to Catherine and her posse for putting on a great show.
Neil Duncan, ISSUEPUNKZINE
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