Metal 2 the Masses - Bringing Metal to the masses!!!

Who is going to win a place on this years Bloodstock Festival line-up?

Metal to the Masses ***1/2 As the summer of 2016 comes rolling along, so does the festival season, but at the back end of 2015 Simon Yarwood came up with an idea to put on a brand new Metal festival in the heart of Leicester. Fast forward six months and Simon Yarwood's idea had blossomed into a full on Metalhead's dream. With headliners Phil Campbell's All Starr Band, Hell and Acid Reign just to name a few, it was lining up to be an unmissable event.

But it is all about the Bloodstock 'Metal 2 the Masses' final which is also included. A once in a lifetime opportunity for a band to win a place at one of the UK's biggest festival and a lucrative record contract. Five bands remained from the heats: Garganjua, Blood Oath, Final Coil, Conjurer and Temple of Lies. But only two of them will end up playing this years festival, question is which two.

Garganjua (Pictured Above)

Garganjua, who are local to Leicester came on to a downpour of royal blue light to match the Leicester City flag hanging from the bass drum. What came next was pure unadulterated Doom Metal. Detuned, slow and at times, very enigmatic their music went down well with the early attendants to the festival.

Mark Johnson (Blood Oath) (Pictured Above)

Blood Oath were second to hit the main stage. Covered in tattoos and black body paint, Mark Johnson comes striding into view with the horns aloft. Death Metal soon came screaming from the speakers to give the local ears a good battering. Powerful songs with some technically brilliant instrumental play, they were definitely heading towards a crescendo as inflatable swords fell from the sky. 

Conjurer (Pictured Above)

The energetic and Sludge / Doom band, Conjurer came on to huge cheers from the ever growing Leicester crowd. Their unusual 'tactic' of having bassist Andy Price was a wise move as he thrash around the stage. The guitarist and vocalist Dan Nightingale threw down his guitar towards the end to scream his way through the remaining track. Bassist Andy also decided to jump into the press pit, throwing shapes in every direction. Conjurer definitely put on a show and got our vote to win the competition.

Final Coil (Pictured Above)

Final Coil bought a different side to the competition. The remained heavy yet mellow and melodic the four piece were able to entertain the crowd who clearly had a deep seated love for Doom Metal. The band had two sets today, including an exclusive acoustic performance on the Garden Stage next door.

Temple of Lies (Pictured Above)

The final band in the competition was Temple of Lies. A true Stoner Metal band lead by bearded vocalist Si Shaw. Si seemed a genuine nice guy who enjoyed entertaining the crowd when not singing. Throwing the obligatory horns, the middle finger, shooting imaginary bullets, and throwing grenades were just a small part of his arsenal.

Temple of Lies (Pictured Above)

So it comes to the difficult decision of who was the best band. The compare Matt Kirk came on with the result. As he announces the details of the prize, he once again confirms "It is for one band only, that's the rules". "Rules are meant to be broken" is screamed from one spectator, and simultaneously, Matt pulls a second paper from his pocket.

And the winners of Leicester’s 'Metal 2 the Masses' grand final are:

Conjurer (Pictured Above)

Garganjua also win a spot at Bloodstock as a special guest. Today was proof the true roots of metal are alive and well. A great way to open up a festival and warm up a crowd for the onslaught to come!
Photos and Review by Pete Webb

Garganjua (Pictured Above)

Check Out! the Conjurer Video for 'Cause and Effect' Below...