Beerman Presents - 2nd April 2011

So last night a group of us headed off to a small pub in Digbeth, Birmingham.

The aim of the evening, to drink some beer, listen to some metal bands and generally have a good social time.

As luck would have it, the plan came together in a very A-Team manner.

Firstly, we had no idea where the pub was, and if you don't know Digbeth, there are a lot of pubs. The keen eyed amongst us spotted the pub at the end of a side street as we headed up the main Digbeth drag. First part of the plan completed, pub found. Second part, locate a suitable & free parking space - something which was achieved with little difficulty. In fact had we headed for the pub we would have found one right outside it too - second part complete.

The pub is a small venue, built it would seem with gigs in mind. The Old Wharf has a great atmosphere and the sound generated by the gig system proved to be well worth the visit. The only cripe was that the beer was no way near cold enough and the luke warm bottles became a drag as the evening progressed.

Despite the often luke warm beer the music did not disappoint.

First on the bill were the band I had really gone to support - I Hate You More. http://www.myspace.com/ihateyoumoremusic

I have seen this band three or four times now and they have never disappointed. The energy in their set is extreme and they are as tight as a band can be delivering a blistering set.

Their set was hampered by a technical fault with Nick's guitar and I really felt for them as they had already delivered some totally awesome tunes. However the band proved to be total professionals as in a masterstroke "Chilli" Phil stepped away from his guitar, handed it to Nick and proceeded the rest of the set guitar free and very energetically commanded the stage as a great frontman. Nick appeared completely un-phased and proved to everyone what a player he is.

From the first time I saw this band there were a number of key things which came to mind, here are my views;

As a unit they are as tight as any major label band. The drumming, provided by the tour da force that is Bez, is powerful to say the least. Animal from the muppets mixed with Lars & Joey, the beats and the bass which you feel every hit in your solar plexus. Last time I felt this kind of energy was at a Gojira show.

Couple together Bez with the talents of Greg on the bass guitar and you have a rhythm section worthy of any metal band.

It is far to say that the band contain a true Yin & Yang within the group, for Bez there is Greg and for Phil there is Nick.

The two defining styles of calm and mania shape the band and create the perfect unit.

Phil's vocals were the best I have ever heard last night and his screams have developed, if it was at all possible, even more power. Nick & Phil's guitar work is sublime, face melting brutal riffs which make you want to immediately pick up and instrument and play. The immediate interaction with the crowd and the songs means that it is impossible not to bang your head.

Despite technical issues - the crowd were supportive to the end, the head bangers and moshers were ever present throughout the set and the audience chanted the choruses with passion - 5/5

Next on the bill were Reflection In Exile - http://www.myspace.com/reflectioninexileband

A metal band from Co. Durham who I was told travelled down with all the kit and all the band members in one Ford Mondeo!

Their set was blistering from start to finish mixing all genres of my favourite metal bands. Influences of thrash metal merged together with Hardcore and Metalcore. Searing vocals of brutal proportions propelled the band through a well received set.

The hand bangers continued to perform to each song, the band maintained the energy throughout the set. The frontman, Carl I believe had a command of the audience and who often spoke in soft North-East tones between songs then went on to rip our ears off (in a good way!).

The bass player broke a string early in the set but no one would have noticed as nothing could hinder what turned out to be a great metal performance. Comparisons to Lamb of God were immediate and this can only be a compliment. Certainly a band I would see again and I hope they do well - I heard that Bloodstock might be on the cards and I wish them all the luck - I even bought their CD on the night. Another 5/5.

After these two bands the evening turned quickly into more alcohol and discussion, mainly outside in the cool night air and so a review of the last two bands would be unfair as I only heard a few songs.

All in all a storming night, personally for me the two bands that started the evening should have been the two bands finishing the evening and they would make a great touring combination moving forward.

Part three of the plan - perfectly executed!

All hail to the metal \m/