Uprising: The Gallery

I’ve written a review of Uprising for Cool As Leicester which will no doubt be published soon, so I’ll keep it brief here.

Resin

Another stonking event. What is now an unmissable day of music Uprising is for metal fans. The fourth year lacked nothing of the energy and power of the previous three, in it’s new home at the O2 Leicester. I took in a performance from Leicester stalwarts, and event organisers, Resin. Although their set lacked some of the visual passion and power of those that followed, they were note-perfect. Adding a live string section throughout the show gave an extra dimension of interest on the stage that these slightly static grungy rockers really benefited from. However, you cannot fail to be impressed by the considerable musicianship of every member of the band.

Alunah

I stopped by for some of Alunah’s set – a new band to me. They didn’t blow my socks off but the Birmingham doom metallers pulled off a more than competent performance which certainly had a lot of people bobbing along in enthusiasm.

Acid Reign

Acid Reign were magical as ever. Think you’re not into thrash metal? Well quit your whining and listen to Acid Reign. Skull crashing beats and high octane excitement awaits. Frontman H is a whirlwind of shouty punk energy, hurling himself from the stage with obvious joy. The stage security never know what to make of him. You’d think that they’d have done their research by now and realise he’s known for climbing all over the venue during a show.

Memoriam

Another new band for me was Memoriam. Formed in 2016 with the ex-Bolt Thrower vocalist amongst others, I was as entranced by the sound as I was by their stage presence. Certainly the easiest band of the day to photograph, Karl Willets’ rubber face and incredible Barbie blonde hair is certainly quite something to behold. A band who looked like they were having nearly as much fun as Acid Reign, the death metallers were one of the highlights of the day. Squealing guitars and frenetic train-like rhythms clunk they way through your whole body.

Ohhms

I can’t miss Ohhms. One of the younger bands of the day, they were empassioned and bold. Chaotic noise rang out with Paul Waller’s powerful vocals holding the whole thing together. Adrenaline fuelled and compelling – I will be listening to them more.

Napalm Death

But, let’s be honest. We were all there for Napalm Death. They do exactly what it says on the tin. Their aggressive, uncompromising sound and their performance do exactly what they say on the tin. They are an explosion of chaos, rage and desolation, wrapped up in the most thundering noise you could ever imagine. Long may it continue.

Thanks to Cool As Leicester for the press and photography passes for Uprising.