It was one fine Saturday when a healthy crowd descended on the annual Slaughterhouse Festival right here in Birmingham. It was a day/night event, so we made sure our boots were strapped on nice and tight ready to mosh on demand.
With fourteen bands, one comedy slot, one castle, one falcon and one karaoke set, it was a day that I’m sure everyone will remember for a long time to come.
I hope you enjoy my little picture book of the day, and get out and support your scene, without which we are all a damn sight poorer.
I will unashamedly admit that I went for my friends Black Water Fiend, but I left with more Metal than I could carry.
Their particular story is one of perseverance, resilience and it is their good humour and gentle nature that is priceless in this industry. They have put up with a nosey old git like me for seven years so that’s saying something.
Here’s a little something to whet your appetite,
With a dying addiction and gnawing hunger
Let no man put asunder,
The crucible incandescent, flaming
Pantera emerge raging
The castle and falcon
Have seen many nights like these,
None so heavy and hellish when
from the black water, out came the fiend,
Faced his nemesis Atarka,
It was no laughing matter
As the winner would fight the mantis when he defeats the jaguar,
As they slump to the ground
At the foot of mount Slatra
a lamb to the slaughter,
When disease is a destination
There is no happily ever after.
Terri brought her Midweek Mosh into the weekend
Fun and frivolity is the message she sends.
Her work is a wonder, bringing music to many
In for a pound and in for a penny.
The rise of Osiris, the lord of the dead
An insurgent he wields the axe of fear and dread.
In this black autumn
Sanguis mortem
Metal made of sludge and stone
Blood will out you can bet
You’ll never be alone.
If you don’t want to lose it
Don’t stop the music
To not know these bands from Adam
In your hands you have them
See what you can fathom
Form an alliance, make it happen.
We go again on July 4th for day two, see you there!
Azra Pathan
Slaughterhouse Festival – May 2nd, 2026 – The Castle and Falcon, Birmingham.