It's starting to get dark early now, and with reports that there will be no
autumn just cold winter nights, it’s good to know that I can warm up inside the
academy 2 with some heavy rock!
As normal it seems people are arriving
fashionably late so most will miss the first act
Zico Chain, this 3 piece
from London don't half make some noise for such a small group, with heavy
hitting drums, wailing guitars and monstrous vocals! They're forced to play at
the front of the stage due to the main acts equipment but this helps them get
over to the crowd as there right in their faces. They sound to me a bit like
breed 77 but without the acoustic guitars with some tool melodies thrown in for
good measure. They play a quite a short set-list but with long songs and go down
a treat! They get the audience joining in towards the end which is always good
for an opening act.
Heavens Basement
are up next this 4 Piece are allot heavier than Zico Chain, straight from the go
they pounce straight into the first song with not a word spoken, then shake the
room with the heavy pounding bass, the sound is not the best though, which
leaves vocalist Aaron Buchanan trying his hardest to get up to par with the rest
of the band. They're very rock and roll with the classic stadium hi hat noises
and guitar solos, in most songs it's just a shame it's not coming over due to
the sound issues. They do have allot of energy and Aaron prances about the stage
like a cat ready for his supper, he also looks allot like Justin Hawkins from
the darkness in his attire and stage antics which is always fun. They play
newest single Fire Fire and thank the crowd for their amazing support recently
as they’ve been making the latest album which will be out early next year. The
sound problems clear up by the end of their set as the pace of song speeds up
leaving the closing song Executioners Day sounding great. It’s a shame they only
sounded good near the end as it seemed like the crowd where finally getting into
them.
Halestorm are the
main act tonight, and the room is full to the brim to see this female fronted 4
Piece from Pennsylvania. Halestorm have been going for a number of years now and
have always had a dedicated following and tonight's crowd prove that, with
everyone singing along even though it is a heavy rock gig, with allot of tough
guys standing around in leathers (even though the room is so hot, it's like
standing in a steam room). I think it's the power of singer Lizzy Hale that gets
these rockers going, she's enchanting and bewitching whilst at the same time
strong and commanding, as she has the audience in the palm of her hand as she
blasts out heavy riffs on her guitar.
They open with their hit song, Love
Bites (So Do I) and continue with songs such as Its Not You and Freaks Like Me.
They sound awesome with great levels; meaning the vocals are crisp, the bass is
raw, the guitars shred and the drums hit hard. They play through a nice sized
set with not allot of interaction for the most part but who needs it when the
crowd is having this much fun! They do slow it down in the middle and play
Familiar Taste of Posion from their self-titled debut album, which leaves just
Lizzie on the stage playing piano on her own. She thanks the crowd for
supporting live music and thanks for the
huge support and for helping to sell out the show, she seems nervous and admits
that she's shaking from the adrenalin.
Halestorm do really well, even if
they have some cheesey lyrics and let drummer Arejay do a ten minute drum solo,
at least it’s entertaining and something you don’t see at every gig. I’d
recommend seeing them, only next time they’ll be playing bigger venues so the
atmosphere won’t be as crazy as it was tonight but I’m sure you’ll still have
fun.
Zico Chain 3.5/5
Heavens Basement 3/5
Halestorm 4/5
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