Thrashead
So, the evenings runners and riders were looking pretty sharp and in shape as the fans descended on The Rainbow for what would be an historic occasion. Before I start just an honorary mention for local legends Blue Nation who ripped apart The Crossing a couple of doors down with the hugely anticipated, sold out homecoming show. A blistering night of blues rock that left the crowd emotionally drained, and the band humbled by the outpouring of loyalty and pride.
I was led down the stairs by my bro to meet the rest of the cellar dwellers, I had the song ‘down in the dungeon where nobody goes…’ going through my head. Yes, I know those aren’t the exact words, but it sums up the whole feel of the setting.
Monetopia
The night of the 14th, for me, was a celebration of a much maligned section of the industry, Thrash metal is not for everybody, I get that, but it is no reason to leave it sitting at the side of the pitch waiting to be invited on for a kick about.
First up we had a local band Thrashead, a new name to me but what a firecracker of an opening slot. Riddled with familiar tunes from the inspiring back catalogue of this genre, we had ‘Devil’s Island’ I hadn’t heard that in years and ‘Ride The Lightning’ two classics that are revered and honoured. In proper old school thrash style, heads were down, hair dangling around the old noggin and the admirable legs apart stance that is a requirement amongst the revellers and the band.
‘Flash before my eyes. Now it’s time to die’
We also get a little taster of the Thrash that is yet to come with ‘First Blood’ hopefully looking at a February release. To align with a side that has more hindrance than help, it is a brave move, one that paves the way for act two.
Another local band. Monetopia, hop onto the small stage to air their woes, peppered with insane cackles from Kai, (reminds me of Kadeem France from Loathe), they continued the aural discharge, bullets ricocheting off our beleaguered bodies, our bones contorting in a fashion yet to be discovered in polite society. Kai has a thoughtful and penetrative presence, casing the joint and submerging himself into the belly of the beast. Suitably bolstered on drums by Brett, rhythm guitarist Joe, and bassist Phil, they jettisoned songs that could have been heard on ‘Jupiter’ and you can be assured there would be ‘No Surrender’.
Hogging the middle lane were Thrasherwolf all the way from London and lil’ ol’ me hoping to be accepted into The Pack, and that they will look at my application favourably. Singer Daniel Lucas, begging for a mosh, with his ‘are you ready to be consumed?’ battle cry, the courageous amongst us shuffled forward, I declined, graciously- ahem. He finally got his wish, before launching into the abrasive ‘GBH’ he ordered a pit be availed or none of us leave this place alive, or words to that effect.
What I believe would have a been a fabulous addition to this evening, a cover of ‘Fade To Black’ blissfully cutting right through the cacophony, like a central reservation, sturdy, resilient yet bringing the whole night together- sighs happily.
Music is fluid, it moves, it lives, it breathes, it commemorates, it commiserates, it is all shapes, colours, sizes and flavours. The one size fits all ploy benefits no one. Tonight was evidence of the viability of the live music scene, in need of financial, emotional support to bring out the best that our Arts and Culture have to offer. The grassroots need feeding and watering regularly, to sustain and guarantee a brighter future for all. This can only happen when artists are seen as full time workers, who apply a work ethic that is consistent with other industries. The corroborative effects of such a galvanising and unifying force, I feel are deeply misunderstood and ignored.
Rant over, it was a night of memories to make more memories, I do love a bit of nostalgia, and this was the perfect opportunity to salute the old guard and welcome aboard the new breed.
Our Christmas celebrations began tonight, with these five pots of gold at the end of the rainbow.
Azra Pathan
Thrashead/ Monetopia/ Thrasherwolf – The Rainbow, 14th December 2024