DARK FOREST, DECEPTOR & MUTED
THE UNICORN, CAMDEN, LONDON - JULY 17TH 2010
The Unicorn is fast becoming THE place to see talented bands of late, and their free entry policy always ensures that they have a healthy crowd. Not until the bands start playing does the crowd swell (there is another gig happening not too far away today too). But there is expectation, especially from yours truly.
Muted open the proceedings - the last time I saw these gents was a good 18 months back, if not longer. Whilst their stage presence, or rather confidence needs improvement between songs, their live sound and song writing has come on leaps and bounds. Opening with developed thrashers and presenting their newer tunes from a forthcoming 7 track EP, these tunes show improvement to put them up there with the current crop of local and UK thrash bands. Muted have become a force to be reckoned, thrash music has no chance of becoming second fiddle again with this talented crew around.
Deceptor are a budding thrash band I have had the pleasure of seeing live on numerous occasions; I was looking forward to their set. This tight unit had a hearty crowd who raised their fists and head banged with them for all they were worth. Flowing with effortless ease between tracks, Deceptor managed to up the atmosphere for the punters in the venue. Deceptor are tight musicians and strong performers, back after a little break from the live circuit.
Traditional Metal specialists Dark Forest can do no wrong in my book; I think this band is amazing. It has been a while since I last saw these chaps live so tonight was the first time with (relatively) new vocalist Will Lowry-Scott at the helm. Not taking anything away from previous singer Christian (now concentrating on guitars), but my god, what a difference Will has made. Their songs are even more epic; ‘The Pipes of Pan’ sounds amazing and I have to stand back from the front and take note, the stagecraft, solidifying my earlier thoughts that Dark Forest could be destined for greater things, they have the line up, they have the stagecraft, and more importantly, they have the songs nailed to a tee. What a welcomed return these chaps are to the London stage, make sure you catch them again when they shall be playing in October at “Trad Fest” at this very venue and look out for a new album planned sometime soon.
Paul Maddison
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