By David O’Neill
Following in the footsteps of boss man Monk having devoted ten weeks of his life to checking out the best that the NWoBHM – that’s the “New Wave of Belfast Heavy Metal” – has to offer, via his role as a judge in Bloodstock festival’s annual battle to find the hottest new talent the Überverse has to offer, I decided to venture down to Swansea to see what Wales had to offer in this ongoing quest, via this ambitious all-day programme pulled together by our friends over at Musipedia of Metal.
After the competition, the evening’s entertainment, featuring an eclectic line-up of some of the finest more established acts, both locally and across the wider Über Kingdom, kicked off with Ofnus who opened the night with a deeply atmospheric set, blending blackened post-metal textures with haunting melodies. Their music created an immersive soundscape, drawing in the crowd and setting a moody, anticipatory tone for the evening.
The band’s tight musicianship and emotive delivery demonstrated a clear passion for both darkness and beauty in their craft. Though perhaps less familiar to some, Ofnus proved themselves worthy of the spotlight, offering a unique and engaging start to the proceedings. Their performance was a refreshing reminder of the diversity within the modern metal scene.
Inhuman Nature unleashed a relentless barrage of thrash metal fury, their set characterized by breakneck tempos, razor-sharp riffs, and a ferocious stage presence. The energy was infectious, with the crowd responding immediately to every riff and drum fill. Their chemistry was undeniable, each member feeding off the others to create a cohesive, powerful sound. Inhuman Nature’s performance was a masterclass in old-school thrash, updated for a new generation.
By the end of their set, the venue was buzzing, and the bar had been set high for the rest of the night.
King Kraken brought their signature blend of groove-laden metal and commanding stage presence to the Patti Pavilion. Their set was a showcase of both power and finesse, with thunderous riffs and soaring vocals that captivated the audience. Having recently celebrated the launch of their acclaimed album ‘March of the Gods’, the band exuded confidence and excitement.
King Kraken’s performance was tight, energetic, and full of memorable hooks, cementing their reputation as one of South Wales’ most exciting metal acts. The crowd’s enthusiastic response was a testament to their growing stature in the scene.
Red Method delivered a visually and sonically intense performance, combining industrial-strength riffs with theatrical stagecraft. Their music is a potent mix of groove metal and industrial influences, and their live show is a spectacle of masks, lights, and raw energy. The band’s ability to balance aggression with melody ensured that every song was both punishing and catchy.
Red Method’s set was a highlight of the evening, drawing roars of approval from the crowd and leaving a lasting impression. Their unique approach to modern metal made them stand out as true innovators.
Acid Reign closed the night with a triumphant set of classic British thrash, their decades of experience shining through in every note. The band’s tight, energetic performance was a masterclass in thrash metal, with tracks from their latest album ‘The Age of Entitlement’ sitting comfortably alongside fan favourites.
Singer Howard “H” Smiths’ totally infectious enthusiasm and genuine connection with the crowd created a sense of celebration and unity. Regularly commenting on their “firsts” for the event (first time in Swansea for example) provided a humorous interlude to the thrash metal music. Accompanied with regular escapades climbing the speaker stack and bar it was a good job he was one of the smallest band members throughout the day
Their set was a fitting finale to the event, leaving fans exhilarated and reminding everyone why thrash metal remains a vital force in the ÜK scene.
- All photos © Bandtogs/Über Rock.
- All content © Über Rock.
