Whiplash Promotions presents Onslaught, Gama Bomb, Fallen Fate, Bludvera

The Masque, Seel Street, Liverpool

Monday 26th September 2011

Thrash metal is not among my personal favourite metal subgenres. Not that I dislike it, I’m just heavily into my doom metal, which is pretty much at the opposite end of the scale in many respects. Generally, I prefer the sound of German thrash bands like Kreator and Sodom over American bands such as Anthrax and Megadeth. Not that that really mattered on this occasion, since all the bands on this bill were from the UK. Not previously being overly familiar with UK thrash, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect from some of the bands, but I was pleasantly surprised.

Kicking things off were local favourites and future legends Bludvera. Having recently played a well-received set at Bloodstock, the band were invigorated and ready to kick arse. And that’s what they did. Both visually and sonically, they convey everything that classic thrash represented; everything from patch-covered denim wear to lightning fast lead guitar work. Not to mention frontman Scott, who is intense onstage, to say the least. He is visibly ‘into’ his performance, with his eyes looking like they will burst at any moment. Highly aggressive, and convincingly so.

Next up were North Easterners Fallen Fate, who unfortunately weren’t quite as impressive to these ears as Bludvera. Far from being bad, their much more melodic and accessible form of thrash simply didn’t sit well alongside the other bands on the bill. Perhaps at another gig with a different lineup, they might impress more. This time however, it wasn’t to be. Then again, I’m a doomster, so what do I know?

Gama Bomb, from Northern Ireland, fitted the bill perfectly. Having been around for nearly a decade, the band have had plenty of time to hone their songs, and on this evidence, they have made good use of their time. High in energy, this is good time thrash performed with both precision and a palpable sense that the band love what they do. Very enjoyable stuff.

I knew what to expect with headliners Onslaught, having been present at the recording of their Live Damnation album in 2008. I wasn’t at Damnation Festival to see Onslaught though; being a doom person I was there to see My Dying Bride. Nevertheless, I quite enjoyed their set, and this occasion was no different. Again, it’s not really my ‘thing’, but these Bristolians clearly know what they’re doing, and they had the full attention of everyone in the venue for the entire duration. The band utilise a fairly straightforward approach to thrash, and they are expert at it. It’s no wonder Onslaught are the biggest thrash metal band in the country.

So, another great night from Whiplash. Next up is Christ Agony, but personally, I cannot wait for Saturnus on the 21st of October. Doom on!

Photograph courtesy of Joe Speak.