GIG REVIEW: Studfest @ The Underworld (London, UK)

Devastator open the night with a savage array of rhythmic battery, d-beats and a charging force of pure Black Speed malice. Aside from the hammering percussion and bass work, the guitars featured some tasty licks and harmonies to ensure maximum Heavy Metal artillery starts out the night properly. Having just caught them play a raging set at Bloodstock, it’s great to see these fiery youngsters get some worthy stage-time with bigger bands, because they are coming to seek and destroy.

Aggressive Perfector show no mercy with a rabid blend of classic Thrash Metal warfare the old school way. Razor sharp vocals and ferocious riffing atop walls of crazed drums give all of the malicious intent that’s synonymous with a thrashing rage. This is the fierceness needed to continue the days mayhem and they hit like an iron fist. Benefitting from the rabid and rambunctious sonic delivery that only a power-trio tends to get just right, this set flew by in a flurry of headbanging and sweaty fists pounding to Thrash Metal played the way it was supposed to be (evilly).

Schizophrenia storm in with a diabolically evil Death-Thrash onslaught. Blasting, scaring and malignant, this horde of old schoolers deliver carnage and brutality with no remorse. Their more extreme edge is complement by classic metallic melodies while retaining that saw-blade edge encrusted in rust and darkness. To complement a ruthless set, cover of Morbid Angel’s classic “Maze Of Torment” was met with apocalyptic approval from the crowd which fit their show perfectly. As the only Death Metal band on the bill they had a unique position and they flew the flag of hate marvellously.

Heavy Sentence barrel onstage in a whiskey-soaked haze of pure Heavy Metal. Punky rhythms and NWOBHM riffing delivers maniacal classic fury with a raw edge and some gloriously gruff vocals. Like the Brits of the 70s and 80s, their sense of melody and rhythm will leave all old schoolers floored by the weight of pure iron. This is a band I have championed since I first heard them and genuinely believe are one of the strongest post-millennium Heavy Metal bands on the planet. The thing that amazes me with Heavy Sentence is they feel like a band that’s been around for decades. Not just their convincingly classic sounding 45s and LP, but their image and phenomenal live presence feels like that of a legendary band albeit with the hunger of 5 underground maniacs. Buy “Bang To Rights” and ensure you catch this quarrelsome quintet in live action as soon as you can!

Eliminator took to the stage with even more classic Heavy Metal, blasting forth melodic guitar work and shrill vocals which filled the room with 80s metallic fury once more. Putting two bands with such a strong NWOBHM sound back to back felt like a time machine and Eliminator certainly did not let us down after their predecessors blinding performance. The vocalists high wail soared upon waves of excellent guitar work, there is no denying Eliminator carry the torch of old incredibly well.

Bütcher brought a veritable feast to offer upon the altar to the gods of steel. Pounding pure Speed Metal fury through a masterful 40 minutes with tracks from both records, none could accuse them of being any less than pure manic energy. The ripping guitar work and booming bass was okay punctuated by unforgettable drumming and R Hellshrieker’s manic vocals which were powerful enough to break the iron chains he adorned. With a set metallic enough to turn skin to leather, you will never forget a night with Bütcher. A splendid Manowar cover closed their blackened ferocity in appropriately epic fashion. I have to say, Bütcher are easily one of the best live bands I have seen in a long time. The crowd reception was testament to this, with everyone going crazy to “45rpm Metal”, “Iron Bitch” and “666 Goats…” but also their lesser known debut tracks which are absolutely worth delving back to if you’re a newer fan. This is the future of Heavy Metal, but also the past and present…

Blitzkrieg gave some authentic NWOBHM excellence with their cult and unique blend of melodic, haunting and anthemic songwriting. Galloping with glorious musical ability and soaring vocals, these guys have been around the block a few times, and it shows in the best possible way. True British Heavy Metal, no remorse and no cut corners, this is the real deal. Brian’s vocals are in amazing shape (as anyone aware of Blitzkrieg or his other band Satan will know), while the guitar work was utterly insane. 42 years (on and off) have clearly given this band plenty of time to fine-tune their craft into a literal blitzkrieg of stunning sound. If you dare miss Blitzkrieg, there’s gonna be hell to pay. It may be a changing world, but Blitzkrieg keep it true and old school. 

Exciter erupt onstage with violence and force, delivering pure Canadian Speed Metal aggression. Giving us an endless array of classic Exciter material from the first four records, the setlist is a storm of steel that has the room moving in unison as a see of Heavy Metal maniacs pound Metal along with one of the greatest bands Canada has offered. This trio are enchanting in their metallic might with such a ferociously tight live sound that levels the room with unadulterated, precise blows of sonic slaughter. Seeming to be very aware of fan-favourites, every track felt hand-picked and allowed the entire show to be an action packed moment of sheer anarchy with spirits high. An hour of Metal majesty that closes of Studfest with nothing short of a spectacle. After this belligerent and zealous set, finishing on a cover of Motörhead’s magical “Iron Fist” to pound Metal one last time was such an appropriately killer way to close the night.