BRITISH STEEL FESTIVAL III - WITCHFYNDE, PRAYING MANTIS, ELIXIR, LYADRIVE, REDLINE
CAMDEN UNDERWORLD - LONDON 26/04/08
Now in its 3rd year, a new location in London, and additional help from Arcane Promotions, ensured that this was going to be a special day. With a varied line up, there was going to be some interesting stuff on show. With two other shows in London on the same day, it was a little worrying that attendance may have been low, thankfully, the NWOBHM movement is strong in people’s hearts and the venue was blessed with a decent turn out.
Arcane Promotions
British Steel MySpace
British Steel Welsite
Opening band ‘Redline’ from the West Midlands come on stage with a large amount of dry ice courtesy of a smoke machine, one this died down, you could take decent photos. ‘Redline’ produce really good proper hard rock. This band have already been adopted by the Isle of Man TT Races for one of their tunes (‘King of the Mountain’) as a theme. If you want something to compare them too, simply classic hard rock like ‘Chariot’ with some heavier moments of ‘Journey’ thrown in. Their singer Liam Doherty is a great showman, throwing shapes and having near perfect hard rock vocals. Martin Drum on bass stands there almost motionless while banging away at the bass. The guitar solos are great and well constructed. A new track ‘Black Sky’ just gives a good positive feel to the start of this day. Unfortunately due to time constraints, their set was shorter than planned.
Redline Website
Redline MySpace
These relatively local Uxbridge gents having found it hard back in the day to break through, come on stage like they naturally belonged up there. Well the shades and long trench coat of singer Nick John was a little different having said that! Only releasing their album ‘Another Time, Another Place’ in 1997, having formed in 1981, it definitely showed that they were pleased to be on stage. Paul Ryan on Guitars throws all the shapes imaginable, and genuinely has fun (as do all the band). Tracks like ‘Black Waters Rising’ and the album title track are nice. Other highlights such as the opening track ‘White Dress’ and ‘Warrior’, whilst on the lighter side of NWOBHM, make sure it was a great show (especially with the sing along to ‘Steal Away the Night’) and I for one was pleased to be there.
Lya Drive Website
Lya Drive MySpace
Ah, ‘Elixir’. These guys know how to put on a show, and are a pleasure to see as each appearance goes by. The original idea behind the British Steel Festival was to give ‘Elixir’ some more relevant bands to play live with, however, these guys are in a league of their own. From their first track ‘High Hold the Flame’ from their debut 1986 album ‘The Son of Odin’ to majestic tracks like ‘Children of Tomorrow’ they are far more the stage performers than the aforementioned bands (not meaning any disrespect to those of course!). ‘Knocking on the Gates of Hell’, from their latest offering to date, is another cracking tune, and by the end of the set the remainder of the straggling crowd came forward to the stage to join in the party. Top class!
Elixir Website
Elixir MySpace
Whilst not really being a fan of ‘Praying Mantis’, I always found them very keyboard heavy and melodic on record, it has to be said their live sound is bloody loud and in your face! With melodic ‘Maiden-esq’ riffs the show was a definite treat for the fans. Mike Freeland’s strong vocals and Tino Troy’s stage presence made for good listening and viewing.
Praying Mantis Website
By this point in the evening, admittedly, I was a little worse for wear due to the days drinking activities and lack of food. However, it was going to be an absolute pleasure to see ‘Witchfynde’ live after so many years. Thus, playing great and showing no let up in quality after some years since their beginnings in 1975. Vocally, Harry Harrison is on top form, backed up with classic heavy metal with the likes of ‘Give ‘Em Hell’ (they were always going to play this one!) and ‘Moon Magic’ from their ‘Stagefright’ album. Look out for their new album that is due to be released later this year.
This was a perfect end to the day and the ‘British Steel Festival’ weekend. I for one certainly cannot wait for next year’s instalment.
Witchfynde Website
Witchfynde MySpace
Paul Maddison
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