BRITISH STEEL FESTIVAL WARM-UP SHOW - CLOVEN HOOF, DESOLATION (UK) & DARK FOREST (UK)
CAMDEN BAR MONSTA - LONDON 25/04/08
A massive weekend of heavy metal awaits us all, and I have been looking forward to this one for a while. When entering the venue early, it becomes apparent that most of the punters here today have travelled from overseas, a great tradition with the British Steel Festival, and this being an extra warm up show, things were shaping up great.
Arcane Promotions
Opening band ‘Dark Forest’ from Dudley in the West Midlands played this very venue only a few weeks ago. Having being impressed with their show last time, I was looking forward to this. Sporting a new bassist (William Clough, Guitarist from ‘Deceptor’), the new line up battle on with spandex outfits a plenty (a sight not normally seen outside of Germany it has to be said!). Their sound is not the best on this occasion, but you cannot deny their enthusiasm, and the new line up seems to gel more as a unit. Tracks like ‘The Battle of Baden Hall’, ‘Dark Forest (Heirs to the Throne)’ and ‘Fight for Metal’ are all great tunes. Closing track is a classic cover version of ‘See You in Hell’ originally done by ‘Grim Reaper’ in 1983. The only thing about this was that the vocal range could not be met with the same high range as Steve Grimmett on the chorus line; it was good to see the band change this arrangement to suit their own vocal range. I thought it was a good set on the whole, there have been improvements in the band showmanship since their last outing, long may this continue and I watch with eager anticipation that things go well for these nice chaps.
Dark Forest MySpace
‘Desolation’ from Guilford are also playing tonight with a new line up with the addition of guitarist Rich Marchant. There is no let up in their usually quality performance, Stuart’s vocals are very good (also a notable improvement on the new CD ‘Lexicon V’) and they play very proficiently like we have come to expect from this highly talented band. Tracks like ‘Lost Forgotten’ are well received and sound really good. The only thing I noted about this show was that the whole band was very static on stage, with not much movement or enthusiasm (apart from Stuart on vocals who showed moments of enthusiasm).
Desolation MySpace
Desolation Website
‘Cloven Hoof’ are true masters of the stage and a second show in London within 6 months is a special treat for fans of the band. Once again, we have a line up change! Guitarist Mike Powell had rejoined these boys following a break from the band since late last year. Singer Russ North is one of the best heavy metal vocalists out there period, and tonight his voice is on top form. From the opening track ‘Inquisitor’ these lads mean business. The crowd is now swelling at the front of the venue with more people wanting to be closer to the action, with classic tunes like ‘Astral Rider’ and ‘Nova Battlestar’ there is no wonder. Personal favourite ‘Gates of Gehenna’ plays to a frantically charged audience (and also alcohol fuelled!); professionalism and showmanship are top class. I am not sure if it was a 90-minute set as promised, it did not seem like that long. However, ‘Laying down the Law’ proved to be a stunning encore that really left the crowd wanting more, I know I was. This was the perfect end to the evening, and a great warm up show for the main British Steel festival the next day.
Cloven Hoof MySpace
Cloven Hoof Website
Paul Maddison
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