Live review by; DeeDee
Photos by; Billibee Creative
Surprisingly this was my first visit to this Birmingham establishment. The Billesley Rock Club is situated up-stairs above the main pub in Kings Heath and has a good sized stage, bar and lots of seating. A sound desk and decent lighting, complete what is fast becoming a well liked venue for bands. After getting a drink it’s soon time for the opening band.
THE MIGHTY WRAITH
Are the joint headliners tonight and are fronted by the likeable Matt Gore, who transforms into another form of earthling when he appears on stage, a mighty wraith indeed. There are a few new tracks tonight as an album is presently in the making and due to be dropped later this year. One of the latest creations is ‘Bridge To Betrayal’ and is the first to explode before us, what a blistering start and what energy emits from these five men of the Black Country. They are keen to promote the next release, but still raise havoc with ‘Conviction’ from 2017 and the cover of Danzig’s ‘Mother’, before we hear ’Tyrants’ Demise’ played for the first time and what a killer that is, with a mass of screeching licks from AZ Potter.
The Mighty Wraith say of the song - ‘This was the first track written by Jamie for the band. It’s changed quite a lot lyrically and vocally since the onset of the pandemic kind of changed the meaning of the song’.
‘Face In The Mirror’ also gets its first airing and the drums of Jake Withers are an immense feature, while alongside, the bass of Ash Bentley is unrelenting. Another cover, this time Maidens, ‘Number Of The Beast’ which I suppose adds some familiar chords to the set and then we get three that were on the ‘Outcast’ EP of 2017. The sound of ‘Omniscience’ has distinct character, wandering guitars and more bellowing from Gore. ‘Outcast’ makes full use of the twin axes of AZ and Jamie Williams and the vocals rip it apart brilliantly, revealing the strength of this band. ‘Hollow Within’ has an equal amount of fret racing and the power in Matt’s delivery just stuns you. The Mighty Wraith will be appearing at The Breaking Bands Festival this year, but head over to their website for more events and the latest on the new album.
The Mighty Wraith are; Matt Gore - Vocals Az Potter - Guitar Jamie Williams - Guitar Ash Bentley - Bass Jake Withers - Drums
ŁØKKØ
Another new project, this time with Neil Franklin and Aaron Laight, both ex Sykko Dollz. It’s been only three months since they formed, this Morbid, Horror Rock project and they have already created a set of theatrical gore. The intro that precedes the bands arrival on stage is called ‘ Grisly Reminder’ so a fair warning to all in the Billesley tonight, this is going to be bloody.
Aaron hasn’t performed for over two years, but you would be hard pressed to believe it. He fronts Løkkø in white face paint and goth/victorian black attire while the others are in hooded cloaks. First song ‘I Belong To The Dirt’ is surprisingly melodic but ‘Insane’ sees the start of more sinister happenings and the drums of Danny Morgan are of unabating brilliance. ‘Bring Out Your Dead’ is a flow of rock and roll, while ‘Lavinia’ sees Georgia Hardy handle an awe striking guitar solo, before the number fully emerges into a ballad of lament. The macabre theme hits its highest point during ‘Burn The Priest’ when bible burning is followed by bassist Neil, ripping the heart out of the poor soul, who’s been hanging by a rope onstage. He takes a few bites of the blood dripping ‘Organ’, grinning as he consumes it. After that it’s more of a raunchy slap for ’The Thing (That Shouldn’t Be)’ before the final tune ‘Until We Meet Again’ which features more of Georgia’s talented guitar playing.
For their debut Løkkø certainly held my attention with their music and although the sadistic tales are in their infancy, I’m positive the theatrics will soon evolve into more elaborate gruesomeness.
If you enjoy Ward XVI, Evil Scarecrow and Ghost, then add Løkkø to your fiendish list of demonic bands.
ⱠØ₭₭Ø are;
Gilas (Immortalized by Aaron Laight): Lead vocals/Rhythm guitar
Kaine (Immortalized by Neil Franklin): Bass guitar/ vocals
Lilith (Immortalized by Georgia Hardy): Lead guitar/ vocals
Dragon (Immortalized by Danny Morgan) - drums/ vocals
DEAD MANS HOLLOW
This new band faced a dilemma tonight, as the drummer failed to show up! I think being down to a guitar and bass would have seen most bands pull the gig, but with a drum track added at short notice, they were determined to play. Lead man Adam on guitar and vocals, kept us well entertained and a thumbs up from me, what a star. The single ‘Dead Weight’ was one highlight with it’s messy strings and sharp vocals, as were newer songs, the grunge sounding ‘Say Good-bye’ and excellent ‘Fire Inside’. Indeed Adam was impressive throughout. Bringing it to a rapturous close with ‘My life’, I really must see this band again soon, with all of them in attendance.
Three bands tonight, each stamping their own identity, with so much originality and energy. I really enjoyed the gig and what a tremendous venue. I can honestly recommend the Billesley Rock Club if you are in the Birmingham area, it’s a little gem.