Kicking things off were Hexes, fronted by former A member and current Radio 1 DJ Daniel Carter.  Only managing to catch a few songs it was difficult to really build up an opinion although Carter seemed to lack an element confidence, which considering his other exploits was somewhat of a surprise, they also didn’t manage to get too much of an atmosphere but in their defence venue was still in the process of filling up.

Brighton’s Johnny Truant were up next and tried to get things going and, whilst adept at what they do, to those not into their style of metal it could have appeared to be simply noise.  Sympathy had to go out to them as, despite their best efforts and much to the obvious annoyance of singer Olly Mitchell, there wasn't any form of pit and the band just couldn't get much of a reaction. 

Luckily Cancer Bats didn't suffer the same fate as the preceding bands and from the moment vocalist Liam Cormier jumped into the crowd during set opener ‘Hail Destroyer’, just to make certain things started with as much energy as possible, the crowd were right on side.  To make things even more interesting he decided to stay in the crowd, not only for the following song ‘French Immersion’, but throughout the whole of their set and this rather interesting tactic worked well as he continuously bounded about as far as his microphone lead would allow.  This intimate touch of course was much to the appreciation of those at the front of the crowd and he didn't shy away from anything, singing away whilst in the thick of things.   

The rest of the band however shouldn't be forgotten, bassist Jaye Schwarzer put every ounce of energy into his playing and guitarist Scott Middleton was a constant swirl of hair throughout the mix of old favourites  ‘Golden Tanks’ and ‘Pneumonia Hawk’ from Birthing The Giant and newer songs like ‘Lucifer’s Rocking Chair’ and ‘Sorceress’ from the recently released Hail Destroyer album.  This choice of material was equally as well received as Cormier's antics as the band demonstrated that they are more than capable of writing intense punk rock songs that shine in the live atmosphere, which all  helped towards this being a truly great show  enhanced by the bands energy and passion which was second to none.

Darren Brushneen