It’s been almost 2 long years since Metal 2 the Masses Manchester came to a grinding halt (we all know why). It seemed like this moment would never arrive but finally the bands are once again coming together to vie for the coveted spot on the Hobgoblin New Blood Stage at Bloodstock.
Returning to the previous home of M2tM at The Rebellion Manchester, with new co-hosts and judges, Jayne and James Bennett of the 0161 Manchester Underground Community and Drew Scott Photographic (myself). Also guest judge Danny Deamon (formerly of Prognosis previous winners of M2tM) who is well known and respected in the Manchester scene.
If you like what we do, consider ing us on Patreon for as little as £1 per month!
The order for the night was chosen randomly, by the bands and only posted just prior to doors opening to encourage fans to get there early. This seemed to work as Fractures in the Sky open to a good sized crowd. A Manchester based progressive metalcore band, with only 3 they struggle to fill the big stage at the Rebellion, especially when the lead singer seems to leave the stage for half the set while the guitarist plays? Despite this they sounded great with some awesome guitar riffs, and Dani’s beautiful clean vocals piercing through the mix with the crowd clearly enjoying it.
Second band I am the Wreckage take to the stage next and kick the whole night up a notch, a Manchester hardcore band with 4 , they dont stop still and the energy is through the roof, which is where bassist spent most of the set, he spent the rest in the crowd with the guitarist. Consisting of guttural vocals, pounding bass and riffs the first pit was started and all hell broke lose.
Don’t fancy Patreon? Buy us a one-off beverage!
Orbital Alignment are up next, usually a 4 piece, they’re sadly missing a drummer due to a medical emergency. But this Nottingham based death metal band were not for giving up and turned up regardless. Even with a backing track for drums they produced a blinding set full of energy that had the obvious fans who had travelled up to Manchester to them as well as new fans pitting almost straight away. Another insane bassist and Ethan the lead singer once again taking it up close and personal with the crowd as they pit together.
Last band Mexican Painkiller, a hard rocking thrash/punk/metal band (they kind of defy a genre really) are the last band up a 4 piece from Manchester they keep up the pace of the previous 2 bands with energy levels still through the roof, playing to a full crowd they’ve obviously brought fans along with them tonight as well. Having seen the quality of the previous bands being the last up, they knew they had to play a blinder and they certainly did.
With all the bands having done they’re best its now up to the fans and judges to decide who goes through. Everyone through the door was given a token with which to vote for their favourite bands. These are taken away and counted and the judges tot up all their points to determine the judges top band. James Bennett and Danny Deamon take to the stage to announce the bands going through to the quarter finals.
Congratulations to Mexican Painkiller who were the clear winners of the crowd vote. With I am the Wreckage going through on the judges vote, all the bands played great sets and it was very close in the end but sadly there can on be two go through to the next round.
Pics by Drew Scott Photographic
Fractures in the Sky: official | facebook | twitter | instagram
I am the Wreckage: facebook | twitter | instagram
