Hammerfest II - Day 1 (Thursday) @ Prestatyn, Wales

Hammerfest II

Day 1 - Thursday

11.03.2010

@

Prestatyn Wales

The Soundshock team are back in Prestatyn, Wales, for round II of Hammerfest. As the sun shines brightly over the vaguely clean Pontin’s resort, early-bird festival goers begin to pile into their chalets. Roman soldiers, knights, Darth Vaders, sheep and men in nappies are highlights to the beginning of the weekend - alongside the first of many beers to come.

With the third stage set in the onsite pub, the feeling of intimacy is very apparent, and the bands being more or less of the same calibre gives the venue a feel of a local gig without the regular crowd. Perfect opening bands to the festival include Fury of the Waters, Crimes of Passion and Glass Artery, with all containing the best of both melodic and aggressive elements in today’s approach to popular metal. A nice atmosphere is present, and good responses are given to the bands of which many would have not previously heard.

As the bands draw to a close in the Queen Vic, the pub begins to empty as Beholder are about to take to the second stage, and introducing them is none other than the legendary Krusherrrrr! As the group kicks into the first song, a groove-driven metal edge is pounded into the crowd, and within moments, heads begin to bang. For many, this is the real start to the weekend, and it is obvious as to why. Appropriately in fitting with the other acts tonight, Beholder are certainly too low down on the bill, and will be hard for others to contend with, as demonstrated by Arthemis from Italy. Despite giving it their all, they are certainly no match for the most impressive act so far.

Appropriately placed to break the genre barrier is SSS, and they certainly make their mark. Running around the stage like a group of scousers escaping from the Mancunian police, SSS are the coolest and best band yet. With their rough and ready, non poser-like approach, a new group of metallers barge their way to the first few rows, where a sweaty mess is formed quicker than boil in the bag rice. It’s clear there are a fair few people here on the Thursday mainly, or perhaps only, to see these awesome British crossover representatives spread their craziness.

The drunken vibe is now settling in as everyone eagerly awaits the headliners of the evening, Gentleman’s Pistols. With Carcass’ very own Bill Steer now a part of the quickly-growing quartet, they have been gifted with a more metal-like sound, making their tracks slightly more diverse in comparison to their fully accomplished 70’s-orientated studio album. A whole new vibe is brought onto stage two as they play into the first hour of the next day, and it’s a cracking way to end a memorable first night in Wales.

Reviewed by Dave Sherwood
Photography by Daniel Gray