Back in Glasgow for a wee change and a venue I have not visited before tonight. The Garage Attic sits on the top floor above the main Garage venue and the G2. We are back to catch Bridear from Japan on the first night of their UK tour on the back of their new album Aegis of Athena, but first up we have local lads Inferiem who are promoting their new EP Whispers.
The boys open up with “Parasites” from the new EP, a real heavy bass and drum thumper of a track with some deep strong vocals from Stewart, with Jonathan and Duncan on guitar throwing in their licks at just the right moment to carry the song along. The guitars open up as we head into “Drop Dead” with Gordon absolutely crushing those drums. There is an intense melody in this track as the vocals carry you along with their venom-like intensity. Next we get covered in “Ashes”. There is a Slayer undertone on this track and on the new EP, it’s hard and intense but melodic at the same time – fabulous stuff.
The haunting guitar starts up as we head into “The Fall”. There is a full-on sound here with the bass and guitars backed up by Stewart’s amazing vocals which are hard but tuneful. The song’s heavy, almost slide-like guitar work and the heavy staccato style drumming make this a favourite of the evening. There are “Whispers” next as the drum and bass take us into the vocals which are anything but whispered! The guitar on this track has subtle hints of Linkin Park.
We head to the beginning for “Battleground” with its deeper heavy beat, but with a nice musical chorus section throughout. The band end their short but thoroughly enjoyable set with the last track off their new EP, “Trapped Forever”. Again almost a Linkin Park entrance before those heavy bass lines kick in, and a ferocious sound which ebbs and flows until the end.
Inferiem played a blinder tonight. A packed-out venue enjoyed every minute of their set, as did yours truly, and their EP is on repeat in the office. Do yourselves a favour – catch the boys live and get that new EP!
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The main event now with a band I caught last time at the Nice N Sleazy venue across the road. Bridear open with the first track from the new album “Side of a Bullet”. As the intro dies away the subtle guitars of new girl Moe, along with Ayumi and Kimi’s vocals, take us gently along. Then the band opens up fully, with Haru killing it on bass and adding some hardcore backing vocals as Natsumi powers away at the rear on the drums. With some killer guitar riffs this is a tasty opener.
A couple from the Bloody Bride album next, starting with “Daybreak”. With its Dragonforce-like opening, and intense drums on this melodic track, the twin guitars lay down some fabulous intertwined riffs before we get into “The Moment”. This powerful guitar-based thumper of a track has Haru again opening up those backing vocals like some possessed demon. “Ray of Chaos” opens with some classic style guitar before Kimi’s floating vocals take us smoothly along on the back of some very tasty guitar riffage.
The guitars slowly start for a “Brave New World Revisited” as Kimi’s voice kicks in and immediately I’m thinking this could be Lacuna Coil. A great track from the new album with superb vocals and intricate guitar work. We enter the joy that is “Dimensions”, a real bouncy jump along song, before we hear those twin guitars take us into the heavier drum-filled “Light In The Dark”. This one features darker guitar work and heavy bass from Haru, along with some more demonic backing vocals complementing Kimi’s lead vocals.
The familiar guitar opening means it’s time for one of my favourite Bridear tracks, “Ignite”. A full-on heavy blast, the guitars are just fantastic on this song along with its hook-laden chorus, a pure live joy to hear and watch. We have some real bouncy “Determination” before we meet the “Ghoul” with its guitar and drums-focussed opening. Natsumi is one talented drummer, a real powerhouse behind that kit, and Kimi’s vocals are in full flow on this song. We reach the end of tonight’s fantastic show with the title track from their Bloody Bride album. Natsumi’s crushing opening salvo heralds the “Bloody Bride”. Twin guitars fly about to Haru’s bass and with pounding drums at the rear, Kimi again is at full vocal flow.
This is a band getting better and better each time I see them. The new album is superb; Ayumi & Moe were just technically on-point on guitar tonight; Haru on Bass is just incredible; and you would never think that dark voice could come out of such a petite girl! Kimi is a joy to watch as she puts heart and soul into each song. And then there is the boiler room at the rear, the powerhouse that is Natsumi on drums. Pounding away, legs going like jackhammers all the while smiling away and really enjoying herself.
If you can pick up a ticket to see the band live then do so, as the packed crowd here tonight really enjoyed themselves – as did the band! Get the new album, too, as it is fantastic.
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Bridear: official | facebook | twitter | instagram | spotify | youtube
Inferiem: official | facebook | twitter
Photos by Gary Cooper
I was fortunate to see them in Huddersfield for the first time, the smiles on the ladies’ faces as they smashed every song was wonderful to watch. They are technically magnificent and have the stage presence to match. The next time they come to the UK I will have to go to more than one show…I might get to see them in Japan in a few weeks if they are playing there when I visit !!!
Enjoy your trip! I have been to Japan only briefly and would love the chance to get back over there again. Beautiful country. [Mosh]