LIVE FROM THE PIT: Metal To The Masses Manchester: Quarter Finals 3

Once more on a quiet Sunday evening, with the sun finally shining in Manchester, metal fans converged at Rebellion’s doors to watch some incredible live music and support a well loved local venue. With the sheer amount of talent on display that evening, it was no surprise that the audience were pumped and ready to go. And with only three more rounds to go until the all important final, and a coveted spot at Bloodstock, the competition was well and truly heating up for the remaining bands. 

Taking the opening spot of the event is never an easy feat. Already full of nerves, wondering if the audience will be receptive that early in the evening, and wondering if you’ll have to work even harder to bring the energy. 6pm rolled around, and Pew Pew Laser Force showed that none of that mattered, and they slammed full force onto the stage. The high octane performers, coupled with the shrouded mystery of glowing techno masks left the audience reveling in the vigour this band poured into their set. Pew Pew Laser Force have created a dynamic niche in the metal market, combining seemingly traditional techno music with metal vocals and riffs. The audience were in the palm of their hands for the entire 30 minute set, responding to call and response and moshing along to the well realised music this band were putting out. With only one released single this was a monumental set for Pew Pew Laser Force, and truly earned them the crowd vote. 

PPLF

Second to grace the stage, and worlds away from the previous act, came the band with the most ingenious name and staging in perhaps the whole competition, Shred Dibnah. Bringing the fun to the competition, Shred Dibnah had it all. Bringing enjoyment with their lyrics and song titles including, ‘Middle Lane Moron’, mixed with impressively meaty guitar riffs that could be felt all the way in the back of the room. The points for creativity have to go to Shred Dibnah, they literally had a smoking chimney taking centre stage and that sums them up so well. The embodiment of old school heavy metal and simple jollification. Unfortunately, Shred Dibnah did not end up advancing to the next stage, and this may have been affected by their slot time. Sandwiched between two very high energy bands, they seemed to lose out when it came to audience interaction as the liveliness had somewhat died down. But bringing the classic elements to a competition that features a lot of new wave metal, is a daunting and exciting feat that they pulled off brilliantly.

Shred Dibnah

The subsequent group to Shred Dibnah were the surprisingly fleet-footed Incarnage. Bringing some buoyancy back to the competition, Incarnage were the melodic metalcore group the night needed. Blending impressive vocals, with rhythmic melodies and heavy bass riffs, Incarnage are a truly realised band. With elements similar to bands like Bullet for my Valentine and Trivium, you can see where the five piece have taken inspiration from but twisted it to fit their own unique form of performance. Halfway through the set, the band's agile abilities came into play, with both the singer and bassist taking a trip through the crowd. Floating around a crowd that are thrashing around you is a strenuous task, pair that with carrying a stellar set and not dropping a single note and it becomes almost impossible. But Incarnage found a way. Treating every individual in the crowd as if they were the only ones there whilst simultaneously bringing the room as a whole closer, Incarnage were putting in the work to back up their musical prowess. Unfortunately, it wasn’t enough to advance them further in the competition, but we have no doubt that this band will succeed on to great things.

Incarnage

The final competitor of the evening, and winners of the judges vote, were the insanely alluring VMBRA. Taking to the stage, this captivating quartet knew exactly who they were from the off. Blending striking, meaty riffs with supremely powerful choruses, VMBRA were incredible. Not at any point did it feel like VMBRA were not completely at home on that  stage, you could sense the fun they were having from wherever you were standing in the room. Spirit and soul were flowing through them, and the genre fusion they exhibited was insane. Clearly taking inspiration from many musical influences, not necessarily all from within the metal world, there was a beautiful blend of groove with profoundly mind melting riffs. It is not only musically that VMBRA excel, their visuals were on lock as well. Being a female fronted band is not easy in this industry, and unfortunately not as common as it should be, but when VMBRA strode onto the stage with keys and vocals being performed by the enigmatic Ai, it makes you wonder how this is the case. Truly captivating and original, it is no surprise that VMBRA were the final band of the evening to advance in the competition.

VMBRA

Once again, the Metal to the Masses team, and Rebellion had put on an immense night of live music, recognising unsigned artists and giving them a platform. The competition carries on further into the year, with the grand final taking place in May. If the calibre of the quarter finals was anything to go by, audiences are in for a treat. 

Words: Emily Bancroft

Photos: James Smith