And so, all too soon, 2009 winds its weary way into the annals of history – and, wow, what a year it has been, one which proves that the local rock and metal scene is, despite all the contrary prognoses and the ignorance of the mainstream media, alive well and lifting the muthafuggin roof off every venue around.
This point was well proven with the last Rockd of the decade at the good ol’ Limelight, with another darn fine fine collection of bands ripping the place apart and starting the festive season off in style.
Openers Devilmakesthree were well into their stride when I wandered in, and they’re probably as close as Belfast is going to get to a Swedish death metal experience. Good stuff.
The last time I reviewed Sinocence I dismissed them as “metal by numbers”: well, I’m man enough to admit that it was an unfair comment. While they are not the most original band on the planet, they are a hard-working group of lads, playing good old fashioned traditional hard rock – with enthusiasm. 2010 is going to be a huge year for them, especially with a support slot on Blaze Bayley’s UK tour, and I sincerely wish them well.
Which brings us neatly to Eyesclosed – definitely one of the most impressive bands I have seen in the past 12 months. Think The Mission meets Ministry meets Rage Against The Machine. Tight, powerful, great musicianship and a highly charismatic and individual frontman in Hytham.
Fellow Dubliners Two Tales Of Woe hit the stage apace and kept it up, with a blistering set of straight up party metal: I’ve seen these guys described as doom metal, but they’re too fucking happy for that.
And so, another year comes close to its dying and another looms large on the horizon – and its gonna be one helluva ride, what with the mighty Metallica, Machine Head, Pearl Jam and Deep Purple already booked, Motley Crue and a Slayer/Anthrax double bill rumoured to be among those heading our way, and a whole raft of talented local acts gigging their collective arses off, not to mention the launch of Paradise City!
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