Words: Justin Hulford
At last, a show I want to go to (and can) in Edinburgh! It’s been a while. Well, August.
Due to a laborious and illogical search regime at the venue we missed too much of the opening act despite arriving in loads of time. We finally got in to catch the last two from The Raven Age as they delivered their superb interpretation of melodic metal core with clean vocals. “Eye Among The Blind” and “Angel In Disgrace” were both excellent making it even more disappointing to have missed the rest. I saw them at that last visit to Edinburgh (supporting British Lion) and they seem to be touring with whoever will have them, meaning they are tight and able to own a stage in an opening slot. That the guitarist is Iron Maiden’s Steve Harris’ son aside, they deserve their extensive opening billing with Maiden next year.
Up next came Man The Mighty. Musically I did like them, more heavy melodic stuff with in particular some cool lead breaks from one guitarist. But the vocals were just a little too lightweight, he just didn’t sing loud. As a result they did get overwhelmed by the riffs and at times were barely audible. It didn’t appear to be the sound system’s fault as occasionally, and when speaking, he was clearly there.
Their set did race by though and I would probably like to give them another go just to be sure about that vocal. I’ve listened to some studio stuff this morning and it’s a lot, lot better with someone able to control the levels more accurately. The music is varied, with some interesting arrangements adding even more, so the jury’s out!
Next, and to finish, came headliner Tremonti. I know little of his material and most of my knowledge stops at he being the guitarist from Alter Bridge. It was a quick turnover, there being one of those club nights later to mean an early curfew, and the anticipation in the now packed out house was tangible.
Tremonti at The Liquid Rooms, Edinburgh.
They came on full of musical aggression, and this band mostly plays very fast and hard. The main man’s strut reminded me of Trivium’s Matt Heafy, oozing confidence and presence whilst clearly being engaged with the crowd.
The opening couple were full on numbers and the crowd went wild. Totally wild. But there was a more subtle edge at times and for me they came into their own when the pace dropped. The middle tempo and occasional slower songs, or passages, allowed the skill to be heard more clearly.
Of course playing so fast and tightly at the same time is a pure skill, but the beat was relentless. The extra breathing space the slower parts gave allowed me to enjoy the music more, to appreciate the tight riffage and very melodic vocals.
And the whole band played its part. The second guitarist had a few very cool solos, verging on something like speed blues, the bass patterns were complex and varied from Wolfgang Van Halen, son of Eddie, and the drums held the whole piece together. I was reminded at times of bands of a very long time ago like the Circle Jerks, or The Stupids, and at other moments it felt like the early passion of albums like Kill ‘Em All. If they’d broken into an impromptu cover of “Whiplash” it wouldn’t have surprised me.
With three bands and an early finish this flew by, as fast music often does. Tremonti are tight and fast but the clean vocals no doubt broaden their appeal. It was full on in a good way and I’d be tempted back for more. I might even go and listen to an album.
For a full list of what’s on in Edinburgh visit 7ahead.com
Through The Wire Music 