LIVE FROM THE PIT: Metal To The Masses Manchester: Semi Final 2

Walking into Rebellion on the first truly sunny Sunday of the year, the last thing expected was the size of the buzzing crowd and the atmosphere it was producing. Showing just how much Metal to The Masses means to the bands involved, the music lovers going to the shows and to the venue itself, we were in for a night of exceptional talent and were rewarded massively with the sets produced by the incredible lineup. With only two places in the final up for grabs, and the nerves building, all that was left to do was bask in the effort all the competitors had clearly put into this heat.

Always a band to bring incredible amounts of energy, Pew Pew Laserforce drew the first and arguably most difficult slot of the evening. Getting the crowds riled up and excited is nothing new to Pew Pew Laserforce, but with stakes as high as this they had to bring it. Bursting onto stage, bouncing with copious amounts of enthusiasm, the crowd was instantly engaged. Heads banging from the front of the pit to right at the back, not a single soul stood still. And with the niche of powerful, hard vocals mixed with intoxicatingly catchy electronic element,s Pew Pew Laserforce has carved into the metal scene, this came as no surprise. Keeping that energy up for the entire performance despite some, barely noticeable, difficulties with the mic, Pew Pew Laserforce had well and truly cemented themselves into the competition proving exactly why they deserved their place there on the Rebellion stage. Sadly it wasn’t enough for them to advance to the final, but with talent like theirs it won’t be long before bigger crowds will be calling their name.

PPLF

Bringing back the 70s old school aesthetic mixed with a healthy dose of modern prog metal, Technologist were next to grace the stage. With the intent of wooing the crowd, Technologist strutted out with the confidence of a band knowing exactly who they are and what they’re bringing to the competition. Flowing locks aside, the crowd were hanging off every syllable of Technologists' incredibly deep, dulcet tones and heady mix of smooth yet stout-hearted guitar riffs. The audience they amassed was immense, and they knew just how to work this to their advantage. Conjuring up crowd surfers and moshing so electric people couldn’t help but join in. So it came as no surprise that Technologist were handed the crowd vote of the evening, to advance to the final. 

Technologist

Glancing around the audience, it wasn’t difficult to spot people donning merch for young upstarts Covert. And as soon as they bounded onto the stage with copious amounts of energy, sporting the iconic blacked out stage makeup they’re becoming known for, it wasn’t hard to see why. Here is a group of young lads who’ve been a band for less than a year, flying so high above their station and blowing the competition out of the water. The technical skills they posses, the complete control they hold over the crowd to get them amped up with their stage presence and their ability to improve from set to set is exactly why they’ve been awarded the judges vote for two rounds running. Covert have really upped their game since the last round, with more promising material and a finer tuned sound, they realised where they needed to be in order to advance to the final and have smashed through that goal, and have thrived in this competition.

Covert

Closing out the night's competition was Silence Reigns, who provided the night with a taste of thrash metal blended seamlessly into their harsh metalcore sound. Taking to the stage with an air of quiet confidence, Silence Reigns showed the Metal To The Masses Crowd exactly why they deserved their place in this competition. Their charisma on stage was palpable to all those watching, the way they gelled almost telepathically as a group was evident. The mellifluous backing paired with sub bass drops truly shook the crowd and added yet another dimension to their set. Silence Reigns brought the enthusiasm they’ve exhibited throughout the competition and they unquestionably gave it everything they had, which was visible watching the crowd throughout the venue as they performed. Unfortunately it wasn’t enough this time, but we are in no doubt that Silence Reigns are a band to watch out for in the future. 

Silence Reigns

With the night a resounding success, topped off by headliners Wailing Banshee, Technologist and Covert are taking the remaining spots in the coveted final. All the bands who performed tonight can rest easy knowing they put on an immense show that once again highlighted the depth and diversity of the UK metal scene. Metal To The Masses has provided an evening of raw talent, and we can’t wait to see how the final pans out. 

Wailing Banshee

Words: Emily Bancroft

Photos: Libby Percival