Rockinburgh – Rockin for Tots

When – 27th/29th Sept 24

Day – Sunday 29th September

Where – La Belle Angéle, Edinburgh

Photographs and Review by Linda McDermott

Day three of Rockinburgh Festival and doors open at two with seven bands on the bill.

Bands

Tergazzi

Dread Persephone

Blackfyre Rising

Tiberius

Lavire

The Howling Tides

Empyre

New to me, and kicking off the day are Tergazzi, a band from Edinburgh who are very popular with those who have turned up at the start of the day. The band delivered a high-energy performance, blending fast-paced heavy metal with a touch of old-school rock, and who doesn’t like that?

Despite being the first band on stage, a challenging slot in anyone’s books, they maintained great momentum and enthusiasm throughout their thirty minutes, which seemed to go in a flash, as they belted out their songs setting a lively tone for the rest of the day.

The band’s chemistry, especially with a new drummer playing his first gig, was undeniable and they were a brilliant start to day three.

Check out their socials for gigs.

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/tergazziuk?igsh=cWwxamRkNDRpNmQ0

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/Tergazzi

It’s been about a year and a half since I last saw Dread Persephone and I was looking forward to hearing how they had progressed as a band in that time. I wasn’t disappointed as they brought a heavier prog rock/metal sound to the stage. With Duracell batteries recharged, Regan bounced around the stage like his life depended on it, singing their songs with full intensity and commitment. With Liam, Harry and Jason musically matching his energy they were a force that seemed unstoppable. I

was glad to hear them include ‘Scapegoat’ which has so many layers to it that are both intense and emotive.

They have several singles, and an EP already under their belt and are on the verge of releasing their next EP ‘Depressurisation.’ Check them out at their launch party at MacArts, Galashiels on the 15th of November. If you want tickets, and why wouldn’t you, they are available from www.dreadpersephoneband.com

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/dreadpersephoneband

Another Edinburgh based heavy metal band are Blackfyre Rising who I’d not heard of before and I was looking forward to seeing what they brought to the table. Different from the last band but still with high energy and James’s distinctive voice they entertained with a set full of great tracks.

Their melodic riffs are expertly crafted, blending seamlessly with gritty, grungy vocals that add an edge to their sound. Their set is tight, well-rehearsed, and executed with precision, making it clear they are seasoned musicians who enjoy what they do.

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/blackfyre.rising

Tiberius started with a few technical issues that were being ironed out as they were waiting on stage. While that was going on they entertained us all with a joke or two taking the frustration out of the situation. Once everything was sorted and ready to go, they played their socks off and filled the stage, and the floor, dancing around and infectiously involving those around them.

At one point they sang one song with a synchronised jig and a swagger that had me smiling and tapping my foot as they clearly were enjoying themselves. They had so much going on in their set, which was the last appearance before their new album, that it was impossible not to be drawn into their music and them.

I will definitely be looking out for future gigs from Tiberius.

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/TiberiusUK

Lavire never fail to deliver a set full of great songs that grab your attention. The four- piece heavy rock band from Lincoln are exceptionally talented. Chloe is the perfect lead singer for the band as she paces the stage as her vocals twist and turn with each verse and chorus. Playing songs from their three EP’s such as ‘Welcome To The Freak Show,’ ‘One Way To LA’ and one of my favourites ’Fall From Grace’ which shows off the band’s musical talent and vocal versatility perfectly.

Finishing their set with the hard hitting ‘North Star’ with its pounding beat and great guitar riffs, they are sure to have made some new fans after such a polished performance.

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/LaVireBand

Video

Fall From Grace https://youtu.be/IqRTgAHla1g?si=pB3X7aR8JJluZOB7

The penultimate band of the festival are The Howling Tides who have a bluesy melodic feel with some songs having a heavier tone to them. With eleven songs on their set, they gave us a full picture of what they are about. Ranging from ‘White Crow’ and ‘Blue Moon’ which sits perfectly in the bluesy rock genre with their expressive soulful guitars, rhythmic drums, smooth bass, and raw vocals.

The band have fused this bluesy feel with heavier rock tracks such as ‘Crack My Soul,’ creating a brilliantly cohesive performance, that I thoroughly enjoyed. At one point Rob (vocals) explains that he wrote ‘Elephant Graveyard’ after watching The Lion King, at the age of 22! Inspiration comes from anywhere and everywhere and it was another fantastic song.

Even though this was the first time I’d heard The Howling Tides, I know it won’t be my last.

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/TheHowlingTides

Video

Cut Your Losses https://youtu.be/80rAOpsGJxU?si=FhUpeD61C1qLjH2Z

As the festival draws to a close, Empyre take up position on the stage as those left at the festival wait for them and their melodic heavy rock to begin. Their polished, professional demeanour sets the tone for what is to come, even when technical issues threaten to derail their performance at the very start. An amp fails, causing a brief pause, but the band remains cool, laughing it off and winning over the crowd by asking who had seen them before and where.

Once the technical glitch is resolved, they launch into their set with power and precision, each member showing the results of years of hard work and skill. Despite their confidence, the lead singer playfully asks the audience if they’re getting bored, only to be met with a resounding “no” from their supporters.

At one point they do their rendition of “Titanium,” a cover that shows their versatility and musical talent, however I feel it’s unnecessary as their own songs easily stand along side it, with songs such as the opener ‘Waking Light,’ and ‘Relentless,’ and the up tempo ‘New Republic’ that they close the festival with.

With their mix of classic and modern rock, Empyre are destined for greater things with their brand of music, so put them on your ones to watch list and follow them on their socials.

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/EMPYRE

Video

Relentless https://youtu.be/mUtnLl0T818?si=jKFcFJfqfTAEp9_v

I had a great weekend at the festival, discovering some new bands in the shape of Certain Death, The Howling Tides and Tiberius to name a few, as well as catching up with others I’d heard before such as Big Iron, LaVire, Fury and the like.

I wish the festival had sold out, not only for the organisers and the bands, but for the charity and for increasing the bands profiles. However, those that did turn out in support were rewarded with brilliant performances by all, and I for one am looking forward to the festival again next year.