M2TM Newcastle : Heat 2 Write Up Although most of our heats are a Thursday, to avoid other clashes, Heat 2 was a nice midweek warmer.
Four competing bands again this week and interesting mix of bands and styles.
“We’re from the bad side of the Tyne,” announce Sunderland band Razorjack who play an enjoyable and competent slice of modern metal, influenced by the likes of Slipknot, they’ve a mild stage presence and some interesting songs. A cover of ‘Gay Bar’ is also quite amusing and they warm up nicely.
M2TM Newcastle : Heat 1 Write Up After the excitement of the 2016 competition, I was very excitied to see what 2017 would bring.
Last year we had 5 heats and there was a mixture of applications and me nudging a few bands asking if they might like to apply.
This time round we’ve filled 6 heats without me having to nudge anyone, as we had more than enough applications.
Now, when I took on the 2016 competition – I hoped that most of the bands would get some form of benefit from it – the general feedback being many had, some seeing it as a good networking opportunity, playing with bands they wouldn’t normally play with, making new friends, showcasing themselves to the venues, other promoters, etc and while there can only be one prize winner, getting as many to benefit as possible is a plus.
Souls of Jack Ketch : Special Guests in M2TM 
M2TM 2017 begins next week. We have 26 confirmed bands, including 4 re-entries from 2016 plus 22 entering for the first time this year.
We have just two slots left, so email kev@twfmagazine.com if you want to bag one.
We’ll be presenting details of the heats from next week.
We mentioned last week that Dirty King would be a special guest at the first heat, well, we’re pleased to report SOULS OF JACK KETCH, the 2016 winners, will be special guests on March 23rd.
They’ll be non-competing – but a good chance to show off last years winners alongside some of this years hopefuls.
Dirty King : Special Guests at M2TM 2017 Launch M2TM 2017 is almost upon us. We have 26 confirmed bands, including 4 re-entries from 2016 plus 22 entering for the first time this year.
We literally only have a couple of slots left, so email kev@twfmagazine.com if you want to bag one.
We’ll be presenting details of the heats very soon – but – pleased to announce the first event at Trillians on February 16th will have special, non-competing, headliners Dirty King – they played Bloodstock in 2016 on the Jagermeister Stage and so it’s good to show off one of the talents from last year.
Bloodstock Metal 2 The Masses returns for 2017 After a very successful debut year in Newcastle, we’re thrilled to announce we will be running the Newcastle leg of the Bloodstock Metal 2 The Masses competition.
The winners receive a slot on the New Blood Stage at Bloodstock. There’s no national finals to navigate, one band from the region will get a slot.
For 2016, the winners were The Souls of Jack Ketch, who woo’d crowds with their technical death metal.
However, in the final, Dirty King also impressed Bloodstock booker Simon Hall and so they received a slot on the Jagermeister stage.
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.
Bloodstock M2TM Semi Finals 
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.
Heat 5 of the Bloodstock M2TM takes place in Trillians Newcastle on April 28th and features the following bands…
The Fury Remains //
I’ll play the Villain //
Rusted Hero //
Juratory //
Ball of Mayhem
2 bands will go through to the semi finals in May.
