Metal 2 the Masses Semi Final 1

For those who Dont know what Metal 2 the Masses is a country wide series of events that give unsigned bands a chance to compete. The winner of each area a chance to play on the Newblood stage at Bloodstock Festival.

I have been attend the one Held in manchester since Quater Finals 1 on the 24th March. I have to say the competition is strong, The all thes bands give is unbalivable and you feel heatache for the bands that dont go though because they are good, andyway Semi Final 1.

With the Running order drawn first band to hit the stage at 6pm we Silence Reigns they came out full steam giving a blistering performance that produced the nights first of many circle pits. Absolutly amazing set considering it was Ewan their new bass players first full set with the band. Have to admit I hadnt seen this band but I was blown away by how well they gelled and performed...

Second band of the night at 6.50pm we HellBearer you know its going to be good when the circle pit starts before the band actually start. When they did start they came out of the stalls not runnig but sprinting. This sort of music takes me back to the late 80s during the hayday of old school thrash metal from the bay area. The crowed loved it and we had a wall of death, crowed serfers/divers, circle pits and gerneral mayhem for 30 min.

Next on stage were Divinitas another band who came out of the stalls running. You can tell the guitarest is infulanced by the prog side of music with his guitar solos but you cannot deny this band is good. The singer has a good range and combines clean(ish) vocals with some noises I still wonder how they make.

Next band and last in the competition were DVSTR who didnt start their set at full speed still wipped the crowed into a frenzy. the whole set was heavy and even if you werent in the pit with the rest you couldnt help but get drawn into the music.

Then it was time for the nights headliners Dystopian Sun. These guys come from North Wales and won There Metal 2 the Masses and played at Bloodstocks New Blood stage last year. This is were I first saw and photographed them, and Ill be honest I was impressed. Now onto the headline set they did not disapoint. Their set was amazing a complete joy to watch listen to and photograph. The crowed were still having fun and enjoying every moment. Personally I hope to see this band again in the future.

Right after all the bands all all important anouncment was made I have to say all the bands deserved to go though but unfortunatly there can only be 2.

DIVINITAS got to go though on the crowds vote

HELLBEARER went though on the Judges vote