On Saturday 8th July 2023, 4 bands competed in a head to head battle in the finals of Metal 2 The Masses to win a slot at Bloodstock Open Air Festival 2023. Each band had 30minutes to impress 3 judges, scoring each band on various categories such as professionalism, stage presence, crowd interaction and crowd reaction. These criteria are also what I am basing this review on.
First to perform were Thirteenth Sign, a melodic death/thrash metal band from Nottingham, England.
Right from the moment they took the stage, they unleashed an electrifying display of pure power, delivering one smashing track after another. While their music undeniably rocked the joint, it was disappointing to witness a lack of enthusiastic response from the crowd.
Although the audience seemed to be enjoying themselves, I believe that the band missed an opportunity to engage with the crowd and ignite their energy. With a bit more interaction and effort to get the audience hyped up and moving, their chances of making a lasting impression would have soared. Furthermore, the band’s stage presence fell slightly short in comparison to the other acts of the evening. Despite performing on a small stage, injecting more movement and even interacting with each other on stage would have captured people’s attention even more effectively.
That being said, their performance was still undeniably awesome, and they poured their hearts and souls into every note. The vocalist showcased some wicked pipes, and the band as a whole produced an incredible sound. Thirteenth Sign is unquestionably a band that deserves your attention. I would happily attend another one of their shows in the future.
Live Performance Rating: 8/10 💀
Taking the stage from Spalding, Lincolnshire, the heavy metal band known as Buried By My Heartache delivered a standout performance on Saturday night that proved to be a tough act to follow. This band showcased remarkable talent and an impressive stage presence, but there was one aspect that slightly missed the mark for me: crowd interaction. While it’s important to note that there were instances of interaction throughout their set, such as the vocalist pointing the microphone towards the crowd, making direct eye contact. I couldn’t help but feel that a little more engagement would have elevated their performance even further, pushing them closer to achieving their ultimate goal.
In the video below, there was a track featuring repetitive lyrics, which presented a perfect opportunity for the band to get the crowd involved in the song itself and even recognition of the mosh pit that had opened up, possibly encouring others to join in. Harnessing such moments to foster a sense of unity and shared experience could have taken their performance to new heights. Nonetheless, when considering the criteria being used by the judges, Buried By My Heartache checked all the boxes in my opinion.
Live Performance Rating: 9/10💀
Taking the stage as the third act of the evening, Dead Demons, a heavy rock band hailing from South Yorkshire, delivered a stunning performance accompanied by a powerful, Iron Maiden-esque sound. Their execution was flawless in terms of stage presence, crowd interaction, crowd reaction, and overall professionalism. The band truly had it all.
However, the only factor that hindered their performance was the crowd itself. Dead Demons found themselves in front of a significantly heavier crowd than their music typically appeals to. Despite this, they managed to elicit a positive crowd reaction, demonstrating their ability to engage the audience. A prime example of this was during their performance of ‘Overload,’ the band slowed down their set and succesfully encouraged the crowd to chant back at the band. Throughout the set, as captured in the video below, Dead Demons consistently interacted with the crowd.
While their interactions were commendable, there was a notable absence of movement during most of the songs. It is important to acknowledge that in front of a more suitable audience, Dead Demons would have made an even greater impact. It is clear that their potential as a powerhouse band would have been fully realised had they performed in front of the right crowd.
Nonetheless, Dead Demons delivered an exceptional performance, showcasing their musical prowess and stage presence. Their ability to captivate and engage the audience, despite the mismatched crowd, is a testament to their talent and professionalism. With the right audience, Dead Demons has the potential to become a formidable force in the heavy rock scene.
Live Performance Rating: 10/10 💀
The anticipation was high as we traveled to Nottingham to support the band we had eagerly awaited. Beyond Your Design, the mighty melodic death metal act from the East Midlands, took the stage and delivered an absolutely mind-blowing performance on Saturday night. Their sheer intensity seemed to summon the heavens, resulting in a power outage that momentarily plunged the venue into darkness. Without a doubt, Beyond Your Design left an indelible mark on the evening.
Now, I want to make it clear that this review is not influenced by bias. While we did attend the show to support them, I must express absolute honesty when I say that Beyond Your Design obliterated the competition, leaving no doubt that they deserved to claim the top spot in the competition. Saturday night boasted some truly formidable acts, but BYD’s performance was nothing short of astonishing.
Right from the beginning of their set, it was apparent that we were witnessing the prowess of an established band. They effortlessly transformed the small venue into a grand arena as the crowd surged in. Throughout their set, Beyond Your Design engaged with everyone in the audience, creating an inclusive and electrifying atmosphere. At one point, they even divided the crowd, making room for moshers and actively communicated with the audience, encouraging chants and cheers.
The level of interaction and engagement from Beyond Your Design was simply unparalleled. They went above and beyond to ensure that every individual felt connected and involved. The energy emanating from the stage was infectious, igniting a fire within the crowd that burned throughout the entire set.
Beyond Your Design’s performance was a testament to their exceptional talent, undeniable stage presence, and their ability to create an unforgettable experience for all in attendance. Their commanding performance solidified their status as a force to be reckoned with, leaving no doubt that they were deserving winners of the competition. Saturday night will forever be remembered as a defining moment for Beyond Your Design and a testament to their remarkable musical prowess.
Unfortunately, as Beyond Your Design neared the conclusion of their set, a storm struck the venue, causing a sudden power outage that cut their performance short. Despite this unforeseen circumstance, the band displayed utmost professionalism and swiftly responded to the activated fire alarms. They efficiently directed the audience towards the fire exits without any unnecessary chatter or disruption. Undoubtedly, their composed and responsible handling of the situation likely garnered positive recognition from the judges.
Live Performance Rating: 10/10 💀
Saturday night proved to be an extraordinary experience, leaving an indelible mark on both the attendees and the vibrant City of Nottingham. Every band that graced the stage contributed their unique essence, creating a memorable evening. While not all acts may have secured a spot at Bloodstock 2023, they can view Saturday night as a valuable learning experience and utilize the feedback provided to enhance their live performances. Sometimes, a small adjustment can propel them closer to their ultimate goals.
It is crucial to emphasize that none of these bands were subpar. Each one showcased their talent and passion, leaving a lasting impression. Their performances were commendable, and I would enthusiastically attend their shows again. The potential for growth and further refinement lies within each band, and I have no doubt that they will continue to evolve and captivate audiences in their own unique ways.
Saturday night in Nottingham served as a testament to the vibrant music scene and the remarkable talent it harbours. It was an evening filled with diverse sounds and electrifying performances, ensuring that it will be cherished by those who experienced it.
I hope any bands reading this review feel my feedback was helpful, I am no music expert and certainly no live music expert, this is purely from an attendee point of view. There is so much more that goes into putting on a live show and also to have the mentality to be able to stand infront of a crowd and give it your all in itself is both impressive and insane to me.