Review: Black Peaks & Heck // Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff // 15.09.16

There are a lot of people that would have told you earlier in the year that british hardcore and metal was dead with the scene relying on old, past their best bands to keep the genre going. However on the evidence of a sweaty night in Cardiff it may just have a future.

Black Peaks @ Clwb Ifor Bach

After This Be The Verse warmed up the crowd Black Peaks took the stage to a filling room. With an incredible energy, the band began to tear through their set of metal infused math rock which not only sounds excellent on record but translates brilliantly to a live show.

Black Peaks' debut album 'Statues' is possibly the breakout rock album of the year with the band getting great coverage across popular radio stations and magazines - something almost unheard of for a band that started life as a hardcore math rock band. 'Glass Built Castles', 'Saviour' and 'Hang Em High' are all truly epic on record, but live they go up another notch. However most impressive was the anthemic 'Say You Will' which carries a sound you can envisage blasting out of festival main stages and arenas. After such a storming set Heck had a tough act to follow.

Heck @ Clwb Ifor Bach

The first thing you will hear about Heck is the almost insane reputation of their live shows. Within the first song the lead singer was at the back of the room, guitarist in the centre of a mosh pit and mic stands strewn across the floor, and 50 minutes of similar carnage then ensued. At points there were people hanging off the ceiling and circle pits around tables in what seemed, at times, like a satanic ritual. The crowd almost seemed in awe at the energy of Heck and their manic presence with many having just stopping and staring for the first half of the set. However Heck's manic energy is infectious, drawing everyone slowly in to the experience.

Heck ended their set with their gruelling 16 minute epic 'I. See The Old Lady Decently II. Buried Although III. Amongst Those Left Are You' closing an incredibly sweaty and messy night for all involved. The venue looking like a bomb site, mic stands strewn everywhere and the satisfied crowd shuffled out in a haze of sweat and exhaustion after what had been a hectic night for all.

However this isnt the end of the story. What this tour and the critical acclaim of both bands' albums is doing is continuing a story which has been brewing for a couple of years now. Ever since Royal Blood  burst on the scene in 2014 the radio shows and magazines have been more inclined to cover heavier and heavier music. Between these 2 band, and others like Slaves and countless more, they're slowly laying the foundations of the future of punk & rock in the public eye. If you're a fan of the heavier genres - it's a very exciting time.

-Luke

Preview: Top Gigs in Cardiff // July-December

Earlier this year we looked at 10 live music events to check in Cardiff and they've now all occured so here's some more which we will definitely be catching and hence you should too!


Throwfest 2016 // Clwb Ifor Bach & Fuel // 21.08.16

Cardiff's prime metal festival Throwfest takes place in August this year. Taking place across Fuel Rock Club and Clwb Ifor Bach and boasting an excellent line-up featuring established acts I Killed The Prom Queen and Hacktivist as well as a rich vein of local and national talent, this is one festival you don't want to miss.






Black Peaks & Heck // Clwb Ifor Bach // 15.09.16


Black Peaks and Heck (Formerly Baby Godzilla) have got to be two of the best up & coming bands in the UK scene. Having both released brilliant debut albums in 2016 a joint headline tour has our, and many people around the country's, mouth watering.







Pretty Vicious // The Globe // 17.09.16


Another young band making waves are Pretty Vicious; the teenagers from Merthyr recently released the accomplished 'Cave Song EP' and this tour is set to be their biggest & most raucous yet.






Moose Blood // Y Plas // 06.10.16

With their second album 'Blush' on the way, Moose Blood head on a UK wide tour boasting a growing fan base. The band will be looking to impress with their new material as well as songs from their acclaimed debut.








Swn Festival // Cardiff // 21 - 23.10.16

Going into it's 10th year, Swn is bigger and better than ever. With the brilliant Spring King & Lonely The Brave already announced amongst an array of excellent local and national artists this weekend is a highlight for any music fan in Cardiff.




Jack Garratt // Great Hall // 19.11.16

Jack Garratt's rise as been an impressive one, having won the acclaimed BBC's Sound Of 2016 award and released a stunning debut already this year, the one man band sets of to tour the UK this autumn. With an impressive performance at Glastonbury to back up the hype, this gig will be one not to miss for fans of something a little different.