UNFORTUNATELY I was away for the bulk of Silkfest - but I was back for most of Sunday.

This was also my first visit to Sanctuary following it being taken over by Jon Rockbitch in March.

There have been a few changes already and whilst they are relatively minor, they have really improved the performance area. I can't wait to see it when Jon has done all the work he wants to do.

Apologies to Landkind, Mayors of Toronto and Enquiry - the three first bands that I had missed, but I did get there in time for Tonight We Fall, a young contemporary metal band from Andover.

They had a good solid musical base overlaid with powerful vocals, switching between harsh and melodic. They were highly animated, which served to accentuate the power of their songs. I was really impressed and hope to catch them again some time.

The metal-theme was continued, albeit heavier and (slightly) older in the shape of Basingstoke's number one metal band, Biolith. I have seen the guys many times before and had no doubts that I would be witnessing another lively helping of death metal.

Of course I love their older songs, which are like old friends, but I also enjoyed the newer material, proof that through all the ups and downs and line-up changes that the heart of the band remains true.

It was somewhat fitting that Easter Sunday should see the resurrection of old, old school punk rockers, Geezapunx. They have returned with a bit of a line up change and a couple of new songs to wow (hopefully) the large crowd that had gathered to see them.

Early nerves gave way to bemused enjoyment as the crowd went nuts, probably the most enthusiastic reception the guys have ever got. Let's hope that it doesn't go to their heads!

Next up were We are the Brutus, another Basingstoke band who have returned from the dead with a new line up and renewed enthusiasm.

They too also attracted a large crowd of supporters and duly rewarded them with a very fine show indeed. The band are very tight and technically first class and through all the line-up changes they have retained their consistency. They also pointed up what a wonderfully mixed bill Rockbitch had put together for this final day.

Then all the way from London came Sentience to enlighten us with their progressive-metal and they not only lightened, but impressed us too. Wonderfully heavy with some great chunky riffs, savage vocals and steady beats.

It is always good to check out something new and even better when they turn out to be as good as these guys were. You know how good a band is when it comes to the end of their set and yet you still want more.

They were followed by another classic Basingstoke band, Stup!d. These guys consistently deliver great shows and have a very loyal following, as evidenced by the banter flying around.

This all helped to give the event a good-time-festival feel to it. In spite of the quality of their performance, I will have to ding them a point as they no longer play my favourite song of theirs!

The main-support slot was taken by Bellyeyesmile, who I have not seen for some time, even though they are an amazingly unique and talented band from Reading.

For a start their drummer is also their lead singer, and he also excels in both roles. So the drum kit is set up at the front, with guitars and bass standing behind and then they have at it with some of the most awesome technical punk you could ever see.

They kind of remind me of a more contemporary version of XTC. (Late New Year's resolution - go to see these guys more often!)

And so to the headline band, those classic, heavy (real heavy) rockers Ded Orse.

Unsurprisingly they garnered the largest crowd of the night and they did not disappoint.

Technically excellent with a satisfying heaviness, which leaves middle-of-the-road type music looking very limp and lame. I prefer a little more speed myself, but there is no denying quality when it punches you in both ears.

Finally I cannot leave unsung the acoustic acts who played in between the main bands, whilst setting up was going on.

They ensured that the evening was pretty much continuous all night long and they were: Dan Yaroslaw, Rob Hayes, Steve Pearce, Bear & the Woods and Kyle Taylor.

Thanks of course to all the bands who played and to Rockbitch who promoted, did the sound and ran the venue, but also raised over £650 for charity. All well worth cutting my trip short for.

Neil Duncan ISSUEPUNKZINE