GiggingNI.com

Escape Fails

With Circadian; Valkaine; These Cities Surrender;

The cold bitter weather in Belfast enticed everyone to seek shelter indoors but what a shame, most did not find their way inside the attic in Auntie Annies. Walking up the stairs for the bands, I could already hear that the music had already begun, and pictured the long hair swinging and heads banging already. I have to admit, I love my metal as much as I love any other genre, be it a bit of Americana (in the fantastic Jackson Cage), a bit of alternative, a bit of everything really - metal is no exception.

Having indulged in some of Valkaine's music before the night via their MySpace, I rated them as potentially one of the best bands of the night. Their music was decent and powerful (like all metal should be) but vocals seemed to lack that extra bit of edge which all bands could do with. A common sight in Auntie Annies is the empty floor - it's usually either packed or completely bare with everyone choosing to sit nearer the bar instead - so I can understand the band's nerves or awkwardness to perform, as I can imagine it feels like a job interview with about fifty people interrogating you. It's obvious that Valkaine do have the talent to potentially become one great band in the growing metal scene in Northern Ireland, but they have to jump over the barriers to move on to the next level - shout that little bit louder, headbang that little bit more and make people remember you, that's the best way.

It's something that These Cities Surrender did perfectly - climbing onto the stage and internally exploding to a frenzy of shouting and frantic jumping around. Ben, the bassist, wasn't present much on stage as he needed space to 'express himself' and seeked refuge in the floor where he continued to headbang and thrust his bass in the air like a maniac - fantastic. Their set contained covers from The Devil Wears Prada and also Lamb of God's 'Black Label', all of which received a great response for the metal fans present in the attic. These Cities Surrender, describe them how you will (metal, emo-screamo, hardcore), do have the ability to keep the crowd with all eyes on them which showed throughout 'I am the Real Riki' and their new EP, 'We are Forever', should draw them more fans. Be sure to catch their EP launch show in Downpatrick's Down Arts Centre.

Circadian - a slightly different band to the acts previous; however taking a more bluesy approach, they soaked up the atmosphere and held their heads high. Quite rare to the music scene, for only the second or third time I've seen it before, the drummer took the lead with the vocals from the back of the Auntie Annies tiny stage - and was fantastic on vocals too! Circadian's classic-fused rock was exceptional through pieces like 'Never Compromise' and the endless shredding from guitarist Eoghan, who reached the final of RTE's 'The Guitar'. Finishing off on a piece by their big influences Scorched Earth, their great set came to an end with terrific applause from the punters, well and truly warmed up for tonight's headline - I have to admit these guys certainly surprised me and delightfully ended up as my favourite band of the night - I highly recommend this terrific three-piece as they will give you a great show.

Now for tonight's headline - selected to play a gig, earlier in the year, held by the Northern Ireland Commissioner for Children and Young People in which The Answer made an appearance - Escape Fails. These guys came highly recommended from a number of people and despite being badly cramped on the stage, these guys put on a show to remember. Restoring the night to pure hardcore metal again, they played a great set which included 'Obsession', 'In the Arms of the Storm' and, my favourite, 'Brighten the Darkened Sky' - a song which you could slip into a Metal Hammer CD and it would fit in seamlessly. Vocalist Ryan made real space and took advantage of the empty floor by floating on and off the stage to scream to some folk in the audience, much to their delight and enjoyment - some true performers. I must admit, I really enjoyed their set and from the back of the room, I could really soak up the atmosphere, it was terrific. I'd definitely go and see these guys again and with their album, 'Love, Blood, Family, You' out now, I'll definitely be getting a copy.