Fans enjoy hot metal (From Basingstoke Gazette)

Fans enjoy hot metal

9:40am Saturday 13th June 2009 in Search Module

Bang Bar
Sunday, May 31

ONE of the hottest days of the year is probably not the best time for a mid-afternoon show, but as metal fans burn in the sun, retreating to the shade of the Bang Bar was probably the best idea, especially with Basingstoke band Soul Corruption opening proceedings.

In spite of the heat (and hair) the guys put on a vigorous show and there were plenty of fans there to enjoy it, as well as the ice cold beer.

Another Basingstoke metal band, Dead Below (left) followed and were equally as high energy and, if any-thing, a little heavier. With the crowd perspiring as much as the band there was plenty of banter about it being “hotter than hell”. They managed plenty of variation in their style, from fast and furious to some amazing more measured beat downs.

In spite of the quality of music, the gremlins struck, the PA was knocked and, as the minutes ticked by, it was looking like it all might end prema-turely, with people drifting away.

But, finally, all systems were go and Hybrid 6.0 from Salisbury took to the stage with an unusual mix of elec-tronica and industrial, but I think the technical problems had burst the bubble a bit.

Headliners Kamikaze Test Pilot suffered even more as the crowd had dwindled to a handful. I can't blame the crowd for getting bored but they missed an awesome band.

Their blend of classic rock, metal and their African roots all came together for a memorable performance and they did not let the lack of a crowd put them off. If anything, they raised their game even more. If only they had rem-embered to bring their demos, they would have got a few sales.

–Neil Duncan