The Miserable Metal Mind Podcast

Not quite the final show of 2024 for me, but certainly the remaining ones won’t be as heavy or as aggressive as this brute. Moved from the Marble Factory to the more intimate venue of the boat known as the Thekla in Bristol dock, this was a double NOLA header from two bands whose heritage is similar, but whose sounds are somewhat different. Both provided enough entertainment to satisfy the raging pits that kicked in early and swirled for the remainder of the early evening show. Yes, due to disrupted travel plans and a club night, it was all over just after 9.15pm. As someone who enjoys an early finish, this was no bad thing, but I do appreciate that getting into central Bristol for 6.30pm doors wasn’t as easy for everyone, especially battling the frantic hordes of Christmas shoppers and revellers.  It was a bitter evening but once in the hold of the boat, things rapidly warmed up as Goatwhore tore through a 50-minute set that spared no one. It’s not that long since the band were in...

We covered Eulogy’s last single Pariah a couple of months ago and the band were guests on the podcast that never happened due to technical difficulties. Undeterred by another change in guitarist, the trio have now recruited Ryan Lewis from And the Sky Darkened and he’ll make his debut with the band early in 2025.  Whereas Pariah ripped your face off with its ferocity, Tomorrow is Lost is a slower, brooding beast with a dark edge to it that simmers with a sinister evil. The performance of the three members of the band is on point, with Josh Bird’s drumming impressive. As the song unwinds, it’s evident that there’s a lot of craft gone into the song, for it slowly builds without any rush or panic. Neil Thomas once again puts in a sterling vocal performance whilst Mike Williams’ guitar work provides the cutting edge. Whilst it’s not the instant banger that Pariah may have been, there’s something a bit special about this track. The slow burn enhances the overall song, and repeated lis...

Germany's Burn Down Eden return with their second EP of 2024 called Epiphany, which follows the Dismal EP which was released in APril. The combination of these EPs is one album, but were split as the songs here have a slightly brighter touch whilst retaining the dark vibe of the first.  Both dip into the story of the band's early origins, coming from Forst on the border with Poland. A town with ' a history of heroin and crystal meth epidemics and a profound sense of desolation '. The band state that “ the music serves as a stark mirror, reflecting the darker aspects of humanity, and challenging listeners to confront the uncomfortable truths we create”. According to their press release, inspirations include Iron Maiden, Slayer, Wintersun, Children of Bodom, and Darkest Hour, but it’s hard too hear much of these, other than Maiden in the twin guitar delivery. Epistrophy crashes in with a brutal drum roll courtesy of drummer Warni Warneke, and a crushing riff from guita...

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 stagec...

My first time seeing Therapy? was opening the main stage at Reading festival 1992 and I have seen them on every tour since. They are one of the most consistently good live bands on the circuit.  The Irish punk rock band arrive at the Manchester Academy celebrating 30 years of their breakthrough album Troublegum, and this is the biggest venue they have played in Manchester for a long time. The place is packed, and the atmosphere is electric.  The intro tape plays, the band hit the stage and open with a blistering Stop It, You’re Killing Me. Unsurprisingly, the crowd goes wild. Therapy? look great and sound on top form. Andy Cairns’ vocals are as visceral as ever. A quick switch into their version of the Joy Division classic Isolation throws the audience into an increased crazed frenzy. The three-piece (Michael McKeegan on bass and drummer Neil Cooper alongside Cairns) are on fire as they storm through the Troublegum album, not necessarily in order but still sounds great...

Having driven back from London first thing and experienced Storm Bert flex some ferocious muscles across South Wales, getting back in the car in the evening to trek across the bridge again for this show was not the most attractive option. Hunkering down in front of the wood burner and supping a hot chocolate was infinitely more appealing but having hauled my aching carcass out of the house, this was a show that rewarded in spades and made the horrors of the UK’s motorway network bearable.  I covered the self-titled debut album by Mür recently, and it is likely to creep into my top ten albums of 2024. Having flown in for just a couple of the shows on this tour (sharing support with Monosphere), the Icelandic quintet present as a real curiosity.  They arrive on stage wearing an odd collection of clothing. If they are trying to cultivate an image, then I’m curious to know what it is. Main driver of the band Kári Haraldsson (Vocals, Keytar, Synthesizers) is decked out almost param...

We all have gateway bands that open the doors on our journey of musical discovery. Though we may move on as our tastes change those feelings and emotions connected to those early days remain true and sometimes a huge galvanizing shot of musical nostalgia is very much the tonic needed.  Welsh melodic rock band Powell-Payne clearly want to celebrate heavy rock where big songs and huge choruses were the norm. However, on their debut Voilà the Welsh quartet show they are intent on more than just reworking that classic rock sound and sentiment. The musical bar is set so very high from the get-go and Powell-Payne simply hit the floor running.  A huge statement of intent is made from the opening three songs. This is pure, unadulterated feel-good rock music that picks you up and whisks you along for what is an exhilarating aural ride. Surely this is why we listen to music right? Better Days is a powerhouse of an opener, and such is the infectious energy and the instant clout of cha...