Evolution Fest 3
Wrexham

review by Emily

Its an unjust world where a band as good as Defenestration receive such a lame response owing to the familiar first-band-on plight. But it's a small price to pay when it means that every band on tonights bill is representing the cream of British metal, or indeed, metal. And this evenings line-up of bands covers the whole rock spectrum, ranging from hardcore to grindcore to stoner to melodic eclecticism.

Defenestration, it seems, are blessed with one of the most versatile female vocalists on planet rock. And Gen's vocals are on top form tonight, effortlessly morphing from her soothing laid-back flow to the kind of hardcore-styled demonic roar that would give Tarrie B a run for her money. Music-wise they swing from ethereal hypnotic melodies to Raging Speedhorn-esque savagery, in a unique blend of stoner/sludgecore.

It seems the only ingredient the band are lacking in is stage presence: Gen comes across as somewhat shy, which, as the band's focal point, is unfortunate since it may be misinterpreted as apathy or lack of conviction in the music, in turn providing the audience with little to feed off. With tracks like 'Mushroom God' and 'In' these guys certainly have the songs to back up the hype; all they need now is the confidence that we have in them to deliver the goods live. So, not the performance we know they're capable of then, but given that they formed little over 18 months ago we can rest assured that this is only the beginning.

When Cardiff six-piece Lostprophets burst onto the stage the effect is explosive. From the moment they let rip with set opener (and downright tongue-twister) ShinobiVSdragonninja, with its infectious groove, the atmosphere is electric.

Fronted by the charismatic Ian Watkins (sounding like a cross between Brandon Boyd and Anthony Kiedis), this band are the 'rock stars' of tonight, demanding our attention with their confidently powerful addictive sound and undeniable stage presence.

Only one song into their set and its clear that these guys are stealing the show. A good rapport is evident between band and audience and it's not long before Ian joins the crowd for a song, where he is swiftly scooped up onto a pair of eager shoulders where he rides high, feeding off the energy of the crowd which has encircled him. Rock stars they may be, but this band are still down with the people.

With their melodic metal mentality they are able to incorporate a variety of elements and influences, thus making their set more 3-dimensional. Incubus comparisons aside, these guys have created a sound in their own right. Apart from anything else, at their heaviest, they are more 'metal' than Incubus will ever be, and we're also treated to some devastatingly raspy screaming as well as the Brandon Boyd-style soaring vocals. Listen more carefully and you catch glimpses of a host of diverse influences incorporated ever so subtley - including the Police (check 'fiveisafourletterword')!

As they sign out with one of their strongest tracks, the funked up Kobrakai, we're left with the knowledge that we've just witnessed something spectacular - history in the making. Lostprophets have never denied that they want to be "fucking huge". After experiencing them firsthand tonight, it's clear that they're just a step away from realising this dream.

And so the unenviable task of following up such a tight performance falls to hardcore metallers (a.k.a. 'metalcore') Stampin Ground. Fortunately their sound is so completely different that comparisons seem unlikely. Of course, it also helps that the critically-lauded band are probable the most prominent players of the UK hardcore scene. They combine the sheer power of metallic riffery with vocalist Adam's vicious lung-savagery atop drummer Ade's skillful and impossibly fast pounding double-pedalled rhythm attack.

Three words spring to mind when the Stampin Ground juggernaut takes the stage: brutal, brutal and, er, brutal. It's in the live setting that hardcore really comes into its own, and Stampin Ground are testament to this, providing the most intense, cathartic experience of the night. Every track played is nothing short of a work of hardcore genius, from the mighty 'Symmetry of Hatred' to 'Officer Down' with its blinding riffs.

The whole gig is an interactive experience with guest vocals being provided by none other than... the crowd of course! Adam makes it clear he's on the same level as the audience and it's refreshing to see a band so completely devoid of pretentiousness or attitude.

With such a band the response is best judged in terms of quality over quantity. And with a little encouragement from Adam the floor becomes home to a small tornado of bodies, engulfing everything and everyone in its path. If Machine Head's proverbial ten tonne hammer were a band, then Stampin Ground would be it.

As Earthtone9 brace the stage, with their breed of grindcore metal, expectations are high. And as they tear into their set with a hat-trick of their heaviest and best tracks, including fan-favourite 'Withered', things seem promising. However, things start to lose their momentum from hereon. How ironic that their new direction, incorporating a dark and brooding melodic (earth)toned down edge - intended to widen and diversify their fanbase - seems to lose them favour with the fans, who seem more confused than anything else.

It's a shame because at their best they represent everything that is exciting and inspiring about modern metal and, in Karl Middleton, they have one of the most proficient and inimitable vocalists around.

A few slower songs down the line your attention begins to wander a bit and you can't help but notice Karl's bizarre Ricky-Martin-meets-Ronan-Keating manner with the mic. This only serves as an amusing diversion for a brief time, however, as you begin to realise why your mind was wandering in the first place. There is a distinct lack of a connection between band and audience. Yes it's inspiring when the frontman is so involved in the music he seems almost hypnotised- but not to the extent where he is completely oblivious to the crowd. You almost start to feel left out. A few members of the crowd attempt to forge a connection and make requests for "fast songs". But, almost as if in defiance, the request is denied. No further attempts are made.

The set seems to end rather abruptly and we're left with two distinct thoughts: BRING BACK THE HEAVY and LEAVE THE ATTITUDE BEHIND! However, despite a slightly disappointing set from Earthtone9, having absorbed and assimilated the various flavas showcased tonight, there can only be one conclusion: The future's bright. The future's British.