with Chaplain, Tyburn, Bury Me Where I Fall, Wollow and Karma’s Puppet
Organised by Metal 2 the Masses, Leicester and Resin events
Reviewed by Imogen Cresswell
For those who don’t know, Metal 2 the Masses is a competitive event that is run on the behalf of Bloodstock, to identify hidden gems of the rock and metal scene, and to invite them to take part in one of the biggest UK festivals. This year, there are six heats based in Leicester- this one was the first, located at one of Leicester’s staple music venues Firebug.
The line-up saw four ambitious bands all with different styles, but all with the same goal – to win. Chaplain, Tyburn, Bury Me Where I Fall, and Wallow all graced the stage with their crunchy guitars and their hardcore vocals, along guest band Karma’s Puppet.
Starting with Chaplain, the stage tremored with their fierce screaming and rapid guitar riffs. The stage presence from this band was unmatched. They owned every inch of the stage with their talent, image, and unity. The vocalist even took the stage to the pit where the audience received a close-up experience of the energy and commitment that has gone into this band.
The dirty riffs and the double kick from their own female drummer won me over, I was very pleased with this band and can see why they were participating in this competition.
Tyburn were more old school, taking the tuning back up and filling the room with a taste of nostalgia for the older generation. It surprised me to see the diversity already, but even as a three-piece, they still captured people’s attention with their traceable lyrics and cheeky remarks such as the drummer fiddling with his ‘nuts’.
Bury Me Where I Fall were a personal favourite that night. They just had something captivating about them, and I could see how hard they were fighting to be there and make a show. They captured the essence of metal in multiple ways, sometimes reminding me of Five Finger Death Punch, Drowning Pool, Staind, and other huge bands that have made headlines in popular festivals.
There is serious potential for this band, but if they want to win, they need to take advantage of the extra space as a three piece and enhance their presence so that people can see exactly what I see in them.
Lastly of the competing bands were Wallow. This was by far the biggest band, with five members who clearly know exactly what their role is. To choreograph a set as they did with that number of members is impressive, and I give all my respect to the long-term practice they have done to do this gig. Once again hitting those decibels and conventional metal tones, they were a good band to conclude the competition and bring out the guest band Karma’s Puppet.
Karma’s Puppet showed everyone how it is done. They were a good choice for a guest band, as they were a good role model for upcoming metal bands that are to be shown the ropes on how to pull off a show. It was overall such an exciting night, with incredible entertainment and a strong sense of will in the air.
I will continue to attend the heats and place my vote on who I would like to see in the next phase. Will I share who I voted for in this heat? No. But catch me at the second round at Duffy’s on the 29th of January and I might tell you who I am voting for next time!
Congratulations to Bury Me Where I Fall who were voted through to the next round by both the audience vote and judges’ vote.
Videos of some of the performances from the gig:
Organised by Metal 2 the Masses, Leicester and Resin events
If you would like to share this review, please help us by using the share buttons below instead of a screen print – thanks!