LIVE REVIEW: Thrashchester 2024 - Rebellion, Manchester 16th November 2024

Manchester’s highly anticipated and excellent all-day thrash event returns and once more the show is sold out. Populated by thrash bands of various sizes to a rampant crowd, this is arguably the U.K’s premier thrash festival. 

Because two of our party have forgotten how to drink, by the time we reach the venue, we have missed Devils Henchmen, so apologies to them. As we walk into the venue, we immediately realise that we are some of the few who have got here a bit late, as there is already a massive throng of thrash fans knee deep in the chaos.

The first band we catch is Beyond Salvation. Local heroes in Manchester and their death-tinged take on the thrash genre is very good. The riffs are hard and expertly carried out. It’s not difficult for vocalist Jon Pedley to whip the crowd to a frenzy. Guitarist Arun Klamath takes a commanding role at the front edge of the stage, channelling devastating riffs into the crowd. This band are extremely impressive in both songwriting and stagecraft. Their breakdowns hit hard, and you can feel the crunch. We are in for a good day. 

Ogun are a four-piece thrash metal band from Liverpool. The band comprises Andy Evans (guitar and vocalist), bassist Joe Mortimer, guitarist Neil Mellor and drummer Danny Lightfoot on drums. Relative veterans of the scene for 14 years, new album World of Hate was released earlier in the year. 

They hit the stage with World of Hate. The guitar melody from both guitars sound great, kicking in with Slayer style guitars and a more hardcore drum sound. The vocals are clean and very accessible. They are very old school with a sound reminiscent of earlier thrash bands like Holy Terror, and Tankard but with a more modern edge. The set continues with Vantage, Fall and Date of Expiration, all catchy tunes. They are full of spit and venom but also very bouncy and memorable. They really do have a knack for writing music you want to hear more of. Evans is a mighty figure on stage and cuts a fine shadow. His vocals are strong and clear, the guitars are melodic but filled with visceral menace, the rhythm section is brutal and punishing but also brings the band together to give it its more likable sound and which will hopefully help with progression. The set closes with Human Anatomy, a blistering tune that ends the set perfectly, it’s only a short set, giving a mere taste of their intent, and I look forward to seeing them again with a full set. 

The high-speed thrash of Blacklist is next to grace the stage, and they take no time in getting their teeth into Manchester. Vocalist/guitarist Tyler riffs away while the crowd bays and screams for more. Their thrash backed up with occasional gang vocals is another hit down here at the Rebellion. The chunky tunes just flow one after another, with the correct amount of speed and aggression. Smiles are raised as the strange appearance of blow-up bananas make their first appearance, an inflatable theme that is carried through the night. 

You know you will experience some carnage when Hellfekted plays a show, and today is no exception. As Liam and his band members take position on the stage, the chaos and the thrash mayhem begin. They tear into Manchester, leaving no quarter unscathed. Their brand of metal is violent to the core, and the crowd love it. Later in the set, Hellfekted are joined by Tyler from Blacklist, while our vocalist adorns a sackcloth to add to the horror. Precise, pummelling metal bursts the air, and not one punishing riff is missed by the crowd. I have been a Hellfekted fan for a couple of years now, and I feel that this performance has added to their fanbase.

London based thrash band Thrasherwolf are a band whose latest album, Inside the Sickened Mind I had the privilege of reviewing earlier in the year. I enjoyed the album a lot and was looking forward to seeing them live. This young band has really been moving along at a fast pace, their brand of classic thrash metal with a more modern energy is infectious and refreshing. They hit the stage with a confident swagger, they look keen and full of joy to be playing to a live crowd. Daniel Lucas on guitar and vocalist looks like he could be in a classic 90s thrash band, they open with Consumed from the new album. Jagged guitar riffs and driving rhythm section by Zaq Razaq on drums and Raimond Dobelis on bass keep the pace and momentum perfectly. There sound is a perfect mix of classic thrash bands. There is heavy influences of Metallica, Slayer and the British thrash bands of the 80s, with hint of cross over band like Suicidal and Agnostic Front. All this is blended to a perfect balance and gives the band a unique pleasing sound. The crowd are in full support and relish in the bouncing rhythms. The set continues in the same manner with Final Act of Aggression and Scream till Death. They really appear to enjoy the gig and relish in the crowd responses, which are fully supportive. The sound is dominated by classic riffs and electric guitar solos. Daniels vocals are clean and aggressive, enough to underline the songs’ themes. They close the show with G.B.H (Gratuitous Bodily Harm), which sounds great, my favourite on the new album as it’s very much influenced by hardcore and crossover bands like Anthrax, with bouncing, choppy guitars and a driving rhythm section. A fine end to the set, and the band depart the stage leaving us wanting much more. This taster really set their stall out and everyone is buying into Thrasherwolf’s offer. Is this the future of British thrash? I hope so; here’s to the next time and hopefully a full set. 

Friends of the podcast, Imperium are up next to impress Manchester again. They are led by the talented vocalist/frontman Ben, who has the pipes and stage presence to easily pull off both these roles. By no means is he the only light in this band, every member of this London band has talent and songwriting skills. All their skills are on show today, with their crunchy weighty thrash bouncing around the venue. The audience shows no sign of fatigue as bodies continue to dive from the stage. The banana is hailed aloft by Ben, calling for worship to the inflatable fruit, something the crowd have no hesitation in doing. These southern boys have made a few new friends today. 

Incinery has the difficult task of following Imperium’s hard-hitting set. A task they settle into quickly. Sporting yellow hair, their vocalist whips the excitement up to ten once more. Their speedy thrash prevents those in need of a rest from doing so. With tunes containing the correct number of hooks and guitar solos, these Nottingham boys keep the horns raised. The tunes are well crafted and flow very well. Each member of the band shares the limelight of the stage lights with joy and passion. These attributes are mirrored by the sold-out crowd today. 

Tortured Demon’s career has been followed by many over the course of their reasonably short existence, and it’s cool to see them rise to headliner of this prestigious event. Tortured Demon were announced to be headlining this time last year, and Jay from the 0161 Manchester Underground Metal Promotions, the hard-working team behind this gig, announces that next year's top dog will be Lawnmower Deth. An announcement that goes down very well. 

Something else that goes down very well is this year’s gig closer metal core-tinged thrash. Jacob Parkinson has an effortless rapport with the crowd, announcing he attended this event as a 15-year-old and was now honoured to be the headlining act this year. Bodies continue to dive from the stage, with different levels of confidence, all are caught and looked after like the metal family we all know we have. We then have a brief worry of a casualty in the crowd, concerned looks from all, including the band wait to see the condition of the injured party. Its then declared all is well and the entertainment continues. Songs as recently written as 2023 go down as classics to this hometown crowd, eager to lap up every moment. There is speed, power and professionalism on show here tonight, proving the people who called this band to go far correct. 

And then it’s over. A massive well done and congratulations to 0161 Manchester for this annual event and to the venue Rebellion Manchester for an awesome day.

Reviews by Neil 'Thrashtash' Bolton and John Caffrey.