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  • M2TM – Heat 3 write up

    Posted on by kev36663

    Heat 3, already?

    We’re half way through the heats? This is flying over.

    A horribly close evening where every judge carried a different opinion. Chucking in the crowd reactions and applying to the calculations and formula (there is a process to this, honest. It’s probably more straight forward than I make out).

    So, first up we have Creature.
    I’ve a lot of time for Creature, they’re a fun grunge band and very enjoyable. I kinda hate thinking of stuff like this in any way retro. It certainly feels fresh and relevant.
    They were one of my pre-contest tips to do well, especially as they made the play offs last year – but the opening slot in a tough heat works against them a bit.

    drk 300x199 - M2TM - Heat 3 write up

    Dead River Kings are a surprise package. They’ve got their blues driven hard rock thing down to a tee. More than a few nods to Black Stone Cherry. There’s a lot of experience and they’re pretty darn tight. The crowd seems to like them too and that just helps them pinch a place in the semis in the end.

    Mechanical were added into the competition following the late withdrawal of Ellen Moss. They’d originally meant to be in Heat 1, but pulled out on health. But, they’re back now and it’s enjoyable minimal rock. George was in solo last year and, similarly, you can kinda watch and know in your heart that tonight they’re not going through, but enjoy them anway.

    Anti-Bastard divide a little opinion, they’re very loud and very punk. They whistle through an 11 song set list without going over the 25 minute set length. That gives you an idea of the type of punk they are, crusty fast… loud… fun. Opinion splitting.
    Well *I* enjoyed them.

    Actually, I do always find it hard to sound sincere but I genuinely enjoy every band.
    Some in different ways to others, mind.
    But, I dunno – it feels like it’s been a while since I enjoyed a band quite like Skyryder.

    skyryder 300x200 - M2TM - Heat 3 write up

    Skyryder for me… they’re overblown fantasy hair metal. You know all those cheese laiden Maiden sound-a-like bands? Yeah. Hellowe’en, Blind Guardian and about a zillion others.
    And some of those bands are good and some are just cheese guff.
    Well, Skyryder intentionally lay on the cheese but they do it in such a way you can appreciate it.
    They don’t take the piss out of the genre, they poke friendly fun at it – and it’s almost impossible not to smile.
    Imagine Steel Panther except (a) good (b) funny.
    So, well, nothing like steel Panther then.

    They do… however… go into a tough Semi…

    Right… does it get any easier on Thursday *checks line up*

    Oh God….


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  • BANNER - M2TM - Heat 1 - Write Up M2TM – Heat 1 – Write Up

    Posted on by kev36663

     

    desolation at m2tm newcastle in trillians
    Photo by Newcastle Live Bands

    It feels strange starting M2TM so late.
    Normally we’re about half way through the comp by now – but we opted for a later start with weekly, rather than fortnightly, heats.

    Mind – with the recent grotty weather we thought an April start may be more pleasant…

    And yet it STILL snowed.

    However – that didn’t stop the bands, nor a respectable crowd.

    Sadly, we are down to 4 bands. The first heat suffered two drop outs and we were able to replace one, but a little too short notice for the second.

    So, it’s pushing 8pm when electro-metal trip THIS HOLY VIRUS open the 2018 competition.
    Pretty decent mix of styles and ideas, like an angry Gary Numan. Fairly well received and a good way to prise the competition open.
    Really looking forward to seeing more from these guys in the coming months, there’s a lot of potential.

    DESOLATION stepped in following the withdrawal of Rossi Noise. While this may have felt it would boost chances, an experienced band with a strong following replaced by a relatively young and unknown band.
    This is actually their first time gigging in Newcastle.
    The band are groove metal with a few hints of 90s grunge and nu-metal, but a passionate performance impresses many. Enough to see them through to the semis.

    Kraken Waker at M2TM Newcastle in Trillians
    Photo by Newcastle Live Bands

    I’ve a lot of love for PRETTY LIVID IMPS – they’ve a lovely set of punky rock and roll, with lots of fast and uplifting anthems. They should be a lot bigger. But, maybe I’m just bias.
    They’re well received but have two tough bands to follow and it doesn’t quite get them over the line this time.

    The beast to beat was always going to be KRAKEN WAKER.
    They made it to the semi finals last time with their nautical sludge. They’re previewing a couple of tracks from their new EP and you know – they’re going to be a challenge to get passed in the semis this year as well.
    They’re simple but effective – riffs, riffs, beards, riffs, beards, riffs.
    Phwoar.

    It’s been an interesting start to the competition… for sure.

    Look ahead for Heat 2

    Photos by Newcastle Live Bands


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  • M2TM Semi Final 2 – This Sunday

    Posted on by kev36663

    Last weekend we had six of the best and it was Decrepit Monolith and Vigil who secured places in the final, with play offs secured for Erebor and Blood Moon Bandits

    Semi Final 2 is this Sunday at Trillians, with 6 competing bands.  Remember, entry to this and every heat is FREE entry. Kicking off from 6pm (first band 6.30pm)

    Two bands will go straight to the final in June, while two bands will be given entry into a wild-card play off…

    So, who have we got for you this time – in no particular order (as running order decided on the night) we will be welcoming…

    Kraken Waker – loud… ex Ten Ton Friday… riffs riffs riffs… beards

    Blackjack – Good ole fashioned rock

    Creature  – Newcastle Alternative Rock

    The Unholy Concotation – Darlington Booze Metal

    Trendkill  – thrash/groove from Redcar

    I’ll Play the Villain – Metalcore, they were finalists last year, but can they steer a competitive semi?

    All of these bands impressed us massively in the heats and we look forward to seeing them again, the  hardest part will be working out who coes through and who goes out!

    We will communicate running order on the Facebook event on the evening after the draw takes place.

    Check out the Facebook Event here

    We hope to see you there for some amazing talent.


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  • Bloodstock M2TM Final

    Posted on by kev36663

    25 bands started… we’re down to 5

    1 of which will be playing Bloodstock in August.

    But which one?

    The 5 finalists are….

    Hellion Rising
    Arcite
    Dirty King
    Souls of Jack Ketch
    I’ll play the Villain

    It’s undoubtedly going to be close – very close!

    The final is at The Cluny on June 17th. It is just £5 entry to see 5 amazing bands – a night of sure fire entertainment and of course being able to see which band will be representing the region at Bloodstock in August.

    The running order will be randomised closer to the time – and this time the decision is judges only, which is a panel including reps from Bloodstock.

    Whoever wins, this is bound to be a great night!


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  • bloodstockheader - Bloodstock M2TM Semi Finals Bloodstock M2TM Semi Finals

    Posted on by kev36663

    semi 1 copy


    We’ve now completed the heat stages of the Bloodstock M2TM Competition. 25 bands took to the stage in Trillians and there’s been some amazing performances. And some Donk. But mostly, amazing performances.

    As well as being the first time for the Bloodstock M2TM Competition is Newcastle, it’s also my first time at running a Battle of the Bands style competition. 10 years of this and it’s the first time I’ve really done it – and fuck – there’s been so many so so good bands who didn’t get through, it was heartbreaking.

    But, that in itself, is a big testamanet to the quality of some of the Underground bands in Newcastle and the the Region and I recommend every one of them. (Even the Donk).

    I certainly look forward to working with some of the bands in other capacities in the future.

    So. 10 bands got through to the Semi Finals in May.

    The running orders for these are to be confirmed, as we need to shuffle and randomise, so the order here is the order they appeared in the heats.

    Semi Final 1 : May 15th at Think Tank. £4 Entry.

    Hellion Rising, Arcite, Guardian, Devil’s Night, Rusted Herosemi 2 copy


    Semi Final 2 : May 29th at Think Tank. £4 Entry.

    Guilt City, The Distorted, Dirty King, Souls of Jack Ketch, I’ll Play the Villain

    Progression to the final changes slightly from the Heats. With a stronger focus on judge votes, although fan votes (cheers) do still contribute – we are considering other models also to register fan votes.

    Fans have played a major part in the heat stages – we have had a number of very, very close rounds where the ultimate decision on which band went through and which didn’t had rested on crowd cheers.

    A total of 5 bands will go through the final – this will be the two winners of each heat and the judges decision on strongest 3rd place band.

    These bands were all quality in the heats and it’ll be good to see them battle out in the semis but will be, undoubtedly, ridiculously close.

    £4 for 5 amazing bands each night? Bargain.


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