GIG REVIEW: Midnight @ The Dome (12th April 2019)

I have decided to bring back gig reviews and with that, go back and review some of the best gigs I have attended this year. First up I wanted to talk about this Midnight show in London.

Opening the gig are UK Speed Metal titans HEAVY SENTENCE who take to the stage with confidence and blast out a short but memorable set of thunderous and catchy hooks with total ferocity and an aggressive presence that has clearly been developed from playing tons of shows. The setlist was fun and they definitely did a killer job of opening up the night and are certainly a band to keep an eye on. A ripping entry into the night that was a very welcome introduction to this band and has since led to me listening to a 7″ I got from them very often.

Next up comes AGGRESSIVE PERFECTOR another England based Speed Metal group who bring a much more thrashy onslaught to the stage but sadly the vocals fell a bit short for them. This is a band I am familiar with in terms of studio recordings and whom I enjoy a lot but sadly this particular live show just didn’t quite do them justice, though the instrumentals were pretty strong, the vocals did just come through somewhat feebly. Still an enjoyable show from these guys who have plenty to offer, so take the critiques with a grain of salt as their records indicate they are coming back to dominate.

Now we are bringing out the big guns with Scottish maniacs HELLRIPPER taking to the stage with a vicious setlist comprising of plenty of the bands album material alongside some total bangers from the new “Black Arts & Alchemy” EP. Frontman James who is the sole member on the recordings has a commanding stage presence that is backed up by a gang of Venom-worshipping goons. A smattering of upbeat blasting drums, walls of dense riffing and James’ psychotic vocal howls see us through a phenomenal set of Speed Metal prowess that should remind those in attendance why these guys are definitely part of the genres future, brilliant stuff.

Last up are Ohio Black-Speed pioneers MIDNIGHT, one of the most savagely anthemic bands in this day and age. Bursting onto the stage with energy to spare, the band fire out a fantastic medley of violent riff-fest and blasting insanity. The setlist is incredibly well thought out with a perfect blend of all the most intensely enjoyable numbers such as “Rip This Hell”, “Lust Filth & Sleaze”, “You Can’t Stop Steel” among many more. Athenar’s dominant stage presence as he spews out vocals and hammers along on his rhythmic bass-lines is certainly well matched with guitar-abuse coming from Vanik, punctuated by SS probably breaking more sticks than an elephant in a dry forest. These guys are without a doubt one of the most energetic, fun and downright monstrous live acts to catch. A moshing frenzy and great crowd response with everyone singing and headbanging along is clearly the result of a band that both demand and earn your respect. A fantastic set from Blackened Speed Metal’s most violent maniacs!