Steel Forge start off as rapid Maiden-esque power metal musically although this is topped with croaked vocals which sound like the PA is giving up, and it is the vocals which give them a distinct blackened edge. 'Order 66' is more firmly in the black metal camp although it does contain some neat melodic guitar leads. I like the singer's enthusiasm, he seems genuinely into what they are doing and this helps sell them to the audience. Apparently, the bassist is new but he does a great job, with some excellent bass runs. 'As Nightmares Descend' is yet more pounding, thrashing black metal. It's all competent enough and shows some promise.
Straight out of the gate Hellbearer unleash some blistering thrash metal. It's lightning fast and very professional. The first three Metallica albums would appear to be an obvious influence along with some newer bands like High Command. The sound is thick and heavy whilst the guitars are razor sharp. 'Counting Seconds' carries on the Metallica worship, falling somewhere between 'Whiplash' and 'Disposable Heroes'. The savage 'A Darker Fate' has a touch of Dark Angel about it, although one of the guitar solos sounds a bit off key. The closing 'Thrash Without Boundaries' is yet more Metallica meets Dark Angel style thrash. Although their influences are pretty clear, don't make the mistake of thinking they're derivative as they are very, very good at what they do.
3 Inches Of Blood blast straight into the rapid metal attack of 'Fear On The Bridge: Upon The Boiling Sea I'. Cam Pipes' distinctive voice sounds great and contrasts well with the guitarist's screamed vocals, and it is this dual vocal attack is their unique selling point. 'Wykydtron's anthemic chorus is great. The galloping 'Destroy The Orcs' is excellent too. Tracks such as 'Axes Of Evil' are pure heavy metal. Guitarist Justin Hagberg is excellent, hurling out razor sharp riffs and screaming his lungs out without missing a beat. The speed metal of 'Night Marauders' is white hot, and Cam's top notes obviously bring the metal god Rob Halford to mind. The band are extremely tight but this style of metal would not work if it wasn't. 'Battles And Brotherhood' is everything that makes them great in one song: fast, high energy, razor sharp speed metal with an anthemic chorus, topped off with Cam's high pitched pipes (sorry). 'Deadly Sinners' is incredible whilst there's a sizable circle pit for the urgent thrash of 'The Goatriders Horde' which closes the show. It's been a long time since I last saw 3 Inches Of Blood but this was a welcome return.
3 Inches Of Blood ****
Hellbearer ****
Steel Forge ***
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