What better way to check out new, rising bands than the birthplace of Metal itself, and at the Flapper no less. The first two heats of M2TM Birmingham have been something else, and although I didn’t review them I’d like to give a shout out to Mystiek and Imperial Avenue for winning the first Heat, as well as Arrow Valley and Vindictive the following Heat for making it through.
Also would like to throw out that this is my first ever review, ever, but I’m a photographer first so for now I’m keeping things short and brief while I get into the swing of doing these kind of things as I ‘don’t do no good with the words sometimes’
INFORTUNE
Starting off strong, the room was already packed and everyone was bouncing the second they start playing, the lads bringing (to me) a Rage Against the Machine kind of energy. You know it’s a good set when they’ve wrapped up and you’re just standing there asking yourself ‘Wait, already?!’
ATARKA
The entire floor was chanting them before they even came on stage, and the very second the first note played the most pit was already kicking off, and for the most part didn’t let up throughout the entire set. For myself it felt like I discovered metalcore all over again, every song was a pleasant smack in the face, and when we thought it was all over the whole room demanded an encore, and the boys hopped back on stage and certainly delivered.
CHERRYDEAD
The ladies (and gentleman filling in on drums) brought heavy with a touch of funky to their set, and one thing I can honestly say I’ve never seen before was the bassist pulling out a drumstick for her to start slapping it on the strings, and it bloody well worked!
AONACH
A pleasant surprise as I was unaware there had been a switch up, so I had no idea these guys were on. I haven’t seen kilts and dreads since Korn, but these guys came harder and heavier, and literally in your face as the singer jumped into the crowd numerous times to get them involved.
TOOTH & DAGGER
Lastly, the band I’ve seen the most hyped for leading up to M2TM Brum, and they didn’t disappoint, all of them giving so much energy throughout the whole set, and you know it’s a good’n when it ends it with getting nose bleed after giving it 110%, and it doesn’t get more metal than that.
WINNERS
If I were a betting man as they say, ATARKA and TOOTH & DAGGER managed to secure a spot in the semi-finals, and apparently it was very close all across the board, and no surprise as everyone brought their A-game.
Review by Phil Lees – https://www.instagram.com/philleesphotography
Some shows are live, some pre-recorded. All times are GMT
