This week’s heat started with Self Made Hell, a Norwich based band showing everyone to keep supporting local bands. Instantly they set the scene for the evening and created an opening act that showed every what metal really is. They have classic metal sound, blending sharp and fast drum beats with clean intense riffs on the guitar matched with heavy bass invents a perfect blend of music; add on passionate vocals and you have Self Made Hell. With songs such as “Hell Is Full” and “Devil In Our Midst”, they are one hell of a band and the perfect opener for any show.
Next up was Tearaway which was a refreshing change of pace for the night. Tearaway’s music really reminds me of Shinedown, with a mellow approach to metal and empathic song writing. What I liked most about Tearaway is how relaxed they all seem; they clearly have a good connection with each other and are all on the same page with their music writing. Tearaway are one of those bands to listen to when you want to chill out whilst still listening to quality metal music; with songs like “Twenty Seven” and “Asylum” perfect for those relaxed and euphoric moments.
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After a short break we were graced with Kaves, another female fronted metal band in the competition which as I have said before thoroughly enjoy seeing in this community. With repeated plays on the BBC Introducing show in Norfolk, Kaves had proven anyone can enjoy metal and alternative music regardless of orientation and background. I really liked the attitude of each member, changing their stage presence with each song they perform depending on the story and emotion excelled. My favourite song they played had to be “Grow Up” which speaks to everyone that has ever gotten out of a toxic relationship of any sorts; Kaves sings about real and relatable social issues that affects everyone and don’t shy away from bringing attention to what matters.
Last but not least on the nights roster was By Virtue Fall, a band well known in the Norwich metal scene and the perfect end to the night. Right from the start they interacted with the crowd and got the mosh pits going from the second the guitar started. By Virtue Fall are the kind of band I would describe as ‘pure metal’ – like when you think of metal you’d typically think heavy drums, extreme technical guitar, loud bass and intense screaming, and that’s exactly what they delivered in the best way imaginable. It was obvious a lot of the crowd were there for By Virtue Fall and that’s what I think makes them so popular – their ability to bring together a large group of people and create a community space so euphoric and content with who they are.
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By Virtue Fall were the winners of this heat, with Self Made Hell also making it through to the semi finals. These bands are going to change up the semi’s for sure and I cannot wait to see them battle it out for a place in the finals.
Pics by Chloe Sibley
