SOS fest Saturday
Review By Erin Greasley Images By Linda McDermott
This House We Built
For an early Saturday afternoon, This House we Built definitely knew how to get everyone ready for the day ahead, making their set unforgettable. A heavy and groove filled 4-piece rock band based in Scarborough they are definitely not a band to miss out on seeing. With their powerful grooves and intricate guitar riffs especially within their hits “Dead Man’s Shoes” and “Nobody’s fool”, even treating the audience with their latest release “Addiction”; giving a heavier sound to the band which the audience definitely weren’t complaining at. With the bands new-coming heavier side and strong, powerful vocals if This House We Built are playing a venue near you they’re definitely not a band you want to miss out on seeing.
If you’re wanting to check them out, here’s there lastest single “Addiction” https://open.spotify.com/album/2iOaknuRB1Lx2vwY4bgkWj?si=P4t6jkgyRG6CdHOYyZQaVA
Dacara
After the rain predicted for Saturday, the people at SOS were definitely cautious around standing outside; but as soon as Dacara hit the stage outside, opening it up for Saturday all those rainy worries were forgotten about. For the heavier listeners these are definitely a band to check out, the bands playful energy and banter radiated off the stage as-well as their powerful and groovy hits within their set especially within their newest single “RØT” really highlighting their melodic metal core sound, really hooking the audience into the music. Despite their short set it didn’t stop everyone including the band from having a great time and getting everyone prepared for the amazing day ahead.
If you’re wanting to check out their single RØT, listen here!: https://open.spotify.com/track/2ABrVtNrWwM0Ztf258Rz41?si=EhbC6iiXS0i27nhC8th9TA
Reaper
Despite their technical difficulties at the start of the set when they made their smashing appearance on stage, Reaper definitely didn’t hold back on performing a powerful set, rallying on and belting out some heavy hitters. Launching through their set with some of their songs such as “Metal Militia”, a double-pedal filled groove which definitely for the audience moving.
Reaper knew how to perform and get the audience head banging, having a laugh about their brand new album- Remnants, and how it’s taken them four years. Flying through their set, this powerful, progressive thrash rock band from Liverpool provided an unforgettable technical performance fusing intricate rock and metal melodies, Reaper are definitely not a band you want to miss out seeing, leaving SOS Festival in a heavy head banging craze for the rest of the day.
If progressive thrash rock and intricate head banging melodies are for you, give them a follow on Facebook and keep posted for their new upcoming album!
https://www.facebook.com/share/172TKSg31X/?mibextid=wwXIfr
40,000 leagues
Being their first time playing the festival, and having heard of them briefly but never actually seeing them, 40,000 Leagues were definitely a band I was excited for and they most definitely passed all expectations in their set. Their energy radiated off the stage, with their hard hitting songs and their singer “Nathan” who just couldn’t stop moving.
This amazing five-piece band, from Greater Manchester definitely know how to provide a heavy groove-filled sound, and to get the audience moving, combining elements from melodic metal, metal-core and progressive metal to provide their playful balance of heavy riffs and heartfelt choruses. 40,000 Leagues are an amazing and energetic band which definitely get the crowd moving and I definitely came out pleased afrer seeing them, holding my expectations high for the rest of the day.
If you’re wanting progressive metal and heavy riffs backed up by an amazing and energetic melodic voice; 40,000 leagues are definitely a band you need to check out, especially with their latest single “The Architect” here: https://open.spotify.com/album/368z3E8n8y5II81DX3mswA?si=DcdfFtXFTlGg7LOS2pSPLA
The Heir Apparition
The Heir Apparition, a three piece band from Manchester bring progressive alternative rock sounds to the table and definitely don’t disappoint! Playing hits from their latest album such as “Child of Fortune” the strength within the vocal range was definitely something to be impressed by, supported by the groovy riffs and hard hitting drum beats to keep the song moving. Despite being a three-piece The Heir Apparition definitely provided the audience with a noise to remember. Coming to the end of the set, The Heir Apparition brought the audience down to an emotional level; adding an acoustic element into their set with the song “yours truly” something he had written for his Grandad which he hopes to have a feature in the second album. The Heir Apparition definitely brought a set to the SOS audience which moved them, and definitely made me interested and hopeful for their upcoming second album to come ahead.
If you like the blasting grooves and prominent vocals within an alternative rock band; then The Heir Apparition are definitely a band to check out , support the band on their facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/share/1AemWqRe3j/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Heavy souls
Despite only seeing the Heavy Souls a couple weeks ago when they’d played Breaking Bands Festival, I was most definitely excited for their feature at SOS Festival on the early Saturday evening; preparing the audience for what’s to come. Having released their first album in January called “Have you got Soul” the five-piece band most definitely did not disappoint.
Strong hits like “Broken Women” which features on the deluxe version of the album- which came out in June and the album’s title track “Have you got Soul” which provides a strong and heavy blues rock sway to it including the strong essence of keyboard which really adds an unforgettable atmosphere to the band, which gets you moving to them. The Heavy Souls intricately channel the thunderous energy of rock, whilst having a soulful swagger and carrying the gritty elements of blues within their blistering guitar riffs. Their electrifying performance
most definitely left the audience speechless, in hope and anticipation for their second album.
If you’re into your rocky blues, support the band and their latest album here: https://www.facebook.com/share/1BraBZ8gXP/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Diggeth
Diggeth, were definitely a band I was interested in having been coming from far and not seeing them before. This heavy three-piece band, hailing from Eastern Netherlands definitely knew how to provide a power-filled performance the audience wouldn’t forget.
Blending so many genres over 50 years of music and inspiration, Diggeth provides a unique and groovy sound, bringing a whole new meaning to “Metal-n-Roll”. Providing four strong, Diggeth know how to get the audience with their foot tapping and head banging, and have a good time themselves, entertaining the audience with silly stories and having a laugh and good time and getting the audience in a good mood for the rest of the evening.
If you’re interested in a groovy metal feel which will get you dancing whilst still having heavy momentum of metal, Diggeth are definitely a band to listen to, check them out here: https://open.spotify.com/album/78hFiMOriPlOAbKB3YQiwS?si=vGz1MroDRPGfUp47pr_Z7A
Lord Volture
Lord Volture went on to fill the stage inside, moving the evening forward. Having previously played the festival before 9 years ago in 2014 they were ready to bring an enthusiastic and joy-filled set to the SOS festival audience. This powerful heavy metal five-piece from the Netherlands knew how to blend their traditional heavy metal sound inspired by the likes of Iron Maiden and Iced Earth and slight elements and the speed of power metal.
Playing highlights from the albums “Live ‘em up” and the powerful and intricate guitar riffs of “The Wolf at your Door” from the albums “Never Cry Wolf”, they definitely knew how to empower themselves within their use of two guitarists. It was clear in their set that they were all their having a good time, swaying on stage to the beat of the music and even the vocalist having a feature with air guitar during one of their songs, their electrifying energy fired off the stage in each song. They even took a moment to dedicate their song “Taiga” to their Belgium friends who had travelled to enjoy this amazing festival.
If you’re still keen in the traditional metal feel, but with a modern touch, Lord Volture are definitely the band for you, support them here!: https://www.facebook.com/share/1Yj7dmtfYc/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Ashen Reach
Ashen Reach are definitely a favourite of mine, bringing a unique sound always no matter where they play, so when I saw them on the list for SOS festival I was most definitely excited for what they were going to bring on Saturday evening to prepare for the final two bands ahead.
Ashen Reach, a powerful and inventive four-piece band from Liverpool push the boundaries of modern metal, with their harsh biting drum beats, melodic guitar riffs which ultimately help contribute to vocals which Kyle treats the audience, providing both clean and ethereal moments and the agressive harsh screams within their music. Their music always provides a horror and intense feel for the audience, surprising them with the explosive bursts of energy within their music like in “Ghosts” in its atmospheric build-ups within the songs. Flying through their set, Ashen Reach never fails to provide an experience for the fans; whom were singing along throughout.
If you like experimental metal, with a horror touch and a band that are never afraid to push to boundaries of their music, you can check Ashen Reach out here: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7c9c3pUdBeyiObak7xHFnG?si=VVZioo1cQZmMexDVRaYYgw
The Blue Lena
The Blue Lena brought a unique sound as the headliners for the inside stage closing it up for the main bands on Saturday, although not my immediate cup of tea, this bluesy and melodic rocking 7-piece definitely brought a groovy set to get everyone dancing and moving for Absolva ahead. With influences from The Black Crowes they definitely brought a strong set to Saturday at SOS Festival.
The use of their two vocalist really added to the range within each song, empowered by the strong element of keyboard throughout their music like in their song “Last Chance Saloon”. Blending sounds of Classic Rock and a Bluesy feel within their fresh modern sound, it was clear that the audience were having a good time listening.
If you like the sounds of The Black Crowes, Rolling Stones and even an element of Bryan Adams, The Blue Lena are definitely for you. Check their album “DarkWood” out here: https://open.spotify.com/album/53o0vEtQVoZDB5nHnGyHqM?si=HVo8PwcbQgul58RdP-v9KQ
Absolva
Finishing off the night with a heavy powerful set to Saturday at SOS Festival, Absolva were definitely a worthy choice, always providing a strong powerful energy no matter what song it is. Songs such as “Find My Identity” from their latest and seventh album “Justice” incorporate their hard rock feel within their music, captivating the audience throughout their set.
Their hard-changing riffs and melodic choruses really help show the power within Chris’s vocals and the depth in range he holds which is powerfully shown throughout each album. Their consistently well-crafted music, and guest appearances like the singer from Lord Vulture coming up on stage once again to bring a deeper level of enthusiasm within the audience incorporates both the bands passion and talent within the music scene, really portraying their new album which holds strong themes within war, defiance and identity, taking the audience on a story like in songs such as “Atlas”.
Coming to the end of the set, the audience were definitely sad for another day at SOS Festival to be over with the audience interaction they’d jisy had throughout Absolva’s headliner set.
Check out their latest album “Justice” here: https://open.spotify.com/album/47rTvuYLVhYbcQhkuw4t9f?si=EFnH2SfvSk6awjpEd39saA
No matter what kind of music you like, or if you’re there for just a good time with friends, year after year SOS festival never fail to provide an amazing set of bands each day, and getting everyone excited for what was to come on the last day, Sunday.
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