The Old Wharf
METAL XMAS
20th December 2008
SONS OF EXILE
ADUST
REIGN OF FEAR
BEYOND REDEMPTION
AKRYA
An extract from DJ Beermans' review - What a year!!!
As far as highlights of 2008 go the ultimate has to be Black Scorpion Promotions Metal Xmas (or The Beermans Birthday Bash as it has become known). This has to rank as one of the best gigs ever, 5 amazing bands supplied the music to a jam packed Old Wharf in Birmingham, it really was a trip back to the old days when venues would be full of sweaty metal heads arm in arm with heads a banging, Dawn and Ian sure know how to put an event on in style and they baked The Beerman an awesome Birthday Cake (a Beer shaped cake of course) and to top it all we set the Guiness World Record for "The Biggest Heavy Metal Morris Dance" (so many drunk rockers waving toilet paper around it was unbelievable Helllll Yeahhhhhhhhhhh) as far as atmospheres go I haven't experienced anything like that Saturday in December at The Old Wharf since the 1980's (I think planning for next year, oops this year! is already underway)
Keep ya eyes open for more of Black Scorpion Promotions Events here.
www.myspace.com/blackscorpionpromotions
You will be seeing The Beerman at their events in 2009 I promise that.
What does 2009 hold for us though?? Well for the show we are going to be bringing you even more New Artists, more Great Music, more Live and Recorded Interviews, More Video Interviews, Live Concerts and all the backstage gossip from the biggest gigs and festivals!!!
DJ Beerman
www.toprockradio.com
The Old Wharf
11th October 2008
Tucked into the heart of Digbeth, The Old Wharf is a gem of a venue. The walls are decorated with pictures and paintings of past legends, plectrum collections and gig ticket memorabilia, the ceiling is low and tatty, and the smoking area boasts an open fire. Although it is a little on the cosy side, the atmosphere is vast. With five local bands boasting first class reputations, the evening showed strong promise of raising the roof.
Against The Wheel opened the night with a set that challenged the quality of those who followed. If you look them up on myspace you may be impressed by their recordings, but in all honesty their live impact was phenomenal. A heady mix of guitars and drums, fused with Gavin's raw rock vocals, add in a few diverse harmonies and you have a cocktail of pure pleasure. Speaking of which, watching Dan manipulate his guitar so expertly was both mesmerising and erotic. ATW have something very special indeed – talent, class and modest sex appeal.
Bringing things down a notch, in speed only, was Aluna with its blonde chic on vocals and 70s rock guitar riffs. Now granted, doom metal is not everyone's JD, but rather than just a set of complaining and whining from the stage, Aluna displayed their craft against a back drop of old school strings and voiced with a seductive tone to rival Wendy James. Time was kept well, especially on tempo changes with tracks such as Spend My Time, and I felt more impressed than depressed by the end of this set, which is part of their 'Fall To Earth' tour.
The When Autumn Falls set was sure to be unique, but even more so as this was drummer Ryan's last live performance with them before joining the RAF the next day. These boys love being on stage. Their performance reflected their vast live experience, and their audience participation had their adoring fans eating out the palm of their hands, more successfully than any other unsigned band I've seen. Both musically and visually When Autumn Falls are energetic and addictive. The breathtaking track Ananke signalled the end of an eminence set, and the end of an era for the band. Good luck Ryan, in anticipation of your success amongst our country's finest men.
Having had the pleasure of witnessing Million Empire before, I was still in wonder of their performance. I appreciate I may be a little bias as they are one of my favourite local bands, but they truly are awesome. Can I repeat that? Awesome! The impact of Hunt With Desire kept the crowd enchanted throughout the set, as the band demonstrated their commitment to every beat, note and word. They played with consistent intensity and heavy emotion showing discipline to their exceptional talents. Their set ended with the red hot Pocket Rocket where the thrilling and enthralling adrenalin reached its final climax. The band was clearly drained by the end. Little surprise really as they had given us everything and we had received it gratefully. Million Empire deliver every time, and I suspect that this coming year will be theirs. Get to see them quick before posters with their name on have 'sold out' printed across them.
Rounding off the evening was City 13, maintaining the atmosphere of this electric night. Despite overcrowding the stage, City 13 jumped about and put on a great show for their Headline set. Worst Mistake was my favourite with its classic rock style and banging ending. The boys gifted the promoters with a Johnny B Goode cover, and concluded their set with Suffer for It displaying excellent bass and drums. It was cute to see front man Scott grin each time the smoke machine kicked in, but it was also fabulous to end such a supreme evening with such a united and enthusiastic band.
I have to give thanks to Black Scorpion Promotions for putting on yet another quality event, but even more so to the line up tonight. There were no disappointments and each band gave it their all. They all have upcoming gigs and EPs available, and were a credit to the Birmingham live music scene. I was promised a quality evening in a unique venue and this promise was delivered in abundance. All that was missing were chestnuts to roast on the open fire. Maybe next time?
©Meriel Flavell 2008
1st September 2008
Rocky Horror Theme Night @ The Fox & Goose.
Heavy rain forced us to run 'Janet' style into The Fox & Goose, Ward End, Birmingham, which is astounding, an apt setting for The Rocky Horror Theme Night hosted by Black Scorpion Promotions. The venue traditionally entertains with tribute acts but tonight laid a stage to four alternative Birmingham bands. Getting into the spirit of the evening, we dressed in fishnets and boots, but it was the men who had gone all out with their skimpy dresses and wearing more make up than a self respecting drag queen. The genre of the bands confused me slightly as to who was dressed for the occasion and who always sported such style, but we were warmly welcomed and the atmosphere was filled with excitement and anticipation.
Time was fleeting so Wrapped in Plastic got the party started. The efforts of the band and especially the charismatic front man wasted no time warming us up. Amidst the music, clothes were shed revealing a very fetching leather basque with thong, suspenders, the works. Hopefully he would not get on the Metro like that, but tonight it was expected. Those able to focus on the music would, I am sure, agree that Messiah (On Fire) is an exceptional track, using an eclectic collection of music, synths and media. Wrapped in Plastic did credit to it live, and must have worked hard for some time to perfect such an impact on stage. They're a quirky bunch and their passion for their craft showed in abundance.
Madness took its toll as Elmo Sexwhistle followed, with vocalist Xander looking especially fetching in a black strappy frock with rubber stockings. I was especially looking forward to this set, partly because the band name is cute as hell, but also I love their style. Although I was not at all disappointed with their own tracks, their translation of Sweet Transvestite was the best I have ever heard. With a little tightening this could be a very credible cover. Despite the half naked transvestite nurse shimmying about the floor, nothing could distract from this excellent interpretation. Elmo Sexwhistle has the ability to fill the stage and reach out to all corners of the room. I loved them.
If you were to listen closely, the tingling of a xylophone signified the beginning of The Fairytale. Clearly Cinderella would run away in terror, but the alternative style of these beauties was like rose petals in a cyclone. Whilst pretty in essence you had to admire the brute force of this performance. Dan's vocals ranged from angel to beast, especially demonstrated in the show stopping Testosterone. The Fairytale's set was pure quality, their charismatic music and personalities were a delight and enjoyed by all.
The room was now in full swing, but not for very much longer as Jazz Thrash Assassins stepped up to play the evening out. The lead vocalist wore a beautiful black cocktail dress trimmed with lace, but rather than a kitten heel, he had selected the comfort option of beach sandals. I am willing to bet the commission for this review that you will have never experienced a more diverse range than this band's musical talents. My favourite and maybe the most diverse offering was Schizophrenic Love Song. Imagine a cheesy wedding singer with a very aggrieved backing singer. Throw in Blackpool pier style keys, complimented by strings and drums and you have the most unlikely combination of musical art imaginable which has the uncanny ability to work. The crowd were ecstatic, forming a mosh pit at the front, making me wonder if I should add danger money to my expenses. I feared for the safety of afore mentioned and now almost naked nurse who was pole dancing away oblivious to all but the music. Following a random closing teaser of Van Halen's Jump time was called. The venue had to keep control (and abide by residential environmental noise regulations).
So that was it. Make up off, fishnets in the laundry basket and back to the day job in the morning. The same fate lay ahead for the ladies. I love these themed nights. They add bite. Je veux de plus en plus s'il vous plait! Let's do the time warp again.
©Meriel Flavell 2008 in Ryan's Gig Guide (September 2008)
(Unedited)