DevilDriver
Cardiff's The Point, 15th October 2007
Reviewed by Nadine Ballantyne
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It isn't often that you would associate a church building with a concert hall, especially one which rarely offers brutal American Heavy Metal such as that scheduled for tonight. The venue is near its maximum capacity, housing Metal heads that are ready to cause some damage.
Solitude
First up is Solitude, and the Southampton sextet get the crowd eagerly warmed up with a wall of death. They seem to get a constant flow of movement from the crowd, giving them yet more pleasure to play on the stage. Slightly ore eerie Metal with the electronica is thrown in the mix, but it's both pounding heavy. Thus, the crowd take in every note. In all fairness, Solitude are scheduled to play at a very early time after the doors opened. Even though the place isn't even nearing its capacity, they still put every effort in to get you moving.
Malefice
Malefice strut on stage very keen, the singer giving off a very chirpy smile with the full knowledge that the crowd is going to judge every Metal riff they produce. They pull off those Metal riffs though, and seem a much more established act than they actually are. Malefice is more Progressive Rock oriented than the previous band, and that possibly makes it easier for people to get into the groove.
God Forbid
The place is now filling up, creating even more carnage. This gives more reason for the security to start getting a little worried - especially when the sweaty bodies start piling over the barrier. God Forbid are up, and guaranteed to already boast a fan base in the venue. Their persistence in UK tours has done them well, and so God Forbid seem very fitting as the main support for DevilDriver’s tour. Opening with “The End of the World”, this generates instantaneous headbanging and screaming galore. They play through a fair mix of songs, relying on mostly material drawn from up to date releases. The track “To the Fallen Hero” shows them at their strongest, where hundreds either sing the words back or watch in honour. Their fist pumping Metal goes down extremely well here tonight, and God Forbid may have just gained a few more delightful fans. Better still, they promise to be back soon (and at least know where their touring, calling us Welsh and not English).
DevilDriver
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With sweaty bodies roaming the main floor, all eager for DevilDriver to take the stage, the security start to get a realisation of what mayhem is about to begin. A huge roar erupts as Dez takes the stage, and the frontman starts the fun with a midair jump fit for motorcycle riding. Everyone everywhere is banging their heads, which includes even the photographers - one emits a ear pulsing scream. Huge circle pits amass to the width of the stage, and one by one fans are lifted off the sore and bearing shoulders of those on the barrier. These turn out to be the same people who are screaming their hearts out to them. They seem so organised on stage, and switch positions so everyone gets a fair glance. Dez throws in some jokes, and says there should be no bullshit Emo dancing and only circle pits. He connects with the crowd with great pleasure, making them feeling warm and welcome. It feels as though he’s running the whole show. Every band tonight has played tight set, and top Metal in terms of brutality. We just hope now that the Point will host more of these unique shows; unique shows which no-one is going to forget in a hurry.
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