M2TM // Heat 4 // Northern Ireland

M2TM // Heat 4 // Northern Ireland

Somehow, we have made it to Heat 4 – as James says, the most cursed heat of M2TM ever! It does seem hard these days to hang on to band members, understandable, as the pressures of playing in a band vs the rewards are few and far between. So it’s a passion thing first and foremost that has to be your driver and then beyond that you need to be able to measure what you personally get back from it, if financial gain is your driver you’re shit outta luck, fat chicks and free beer? Maybe?

Adoration from the crowd, occasionally! The rush of being up there on stage playing live to a crowd. Absolutely! For sure, M2TM is a community of struggling bands, musicians who all share that same passion, a brotherhood & sisterhood of like-minded lunatics who all gather in sweaty venues with our people. This is the way.

Tonight we have again 3 bands who have stepped forth into the breach to battle it out for a place in the semi-finals. 1 black metal, 1 groove metal and one NWONHM / Goth metal band, a classy line-up and anyone’s game tonight. A healthy crowd have turned out to support all the bands on the bill, so it’ll be interesting to see how it all plays out.

First up Mourning Of The Heretic a Black Metal band who are new to me but looking at their socials are very busy indeed which is great to see. Festivals in the UK and support slots for international bands locally mean that they know what they’re all about, are honed in on their sound and have driven that message home enough to merit those slots. Live, they’re tight and do what they do very well, and knock out a tidy set that has Voodoo eating out of their hands. Now the only criticism would be that they ran over by a few mins #shockhorror a no, no when it comes to playing at a festival such as BOA. Naughty naughty! This cannot be overstated. Do this at a festival at your peril; you’ll have your set cut off as they have no time for bands who can’t manage their time. For anyone still to play, bear that in mind and watch your set times.

Up next, our modern metal maestros Kings Reign, a fresh favourite back to M2TM, a hefty five-piece that is a groove-laden technical band that grabs you by the balls and just doesn’t let go! The riffage is huge, along with soaring vocals. Kings Reign are going down a treat with the Voodoo faithful. They have the perfect blend of hard-hitting modern metal and a melodic edge, with broad appeal. In contrast to Mourning, Kings Reign played a shorter set, wrapping up early and tossing in a cover midway through, which, again, to some can be a criminal offence in this context. #shockhorror, as the ladies and gents of Voodoo faint at the thought of it. The people on the floor won’t worry too much, but those who judge always comment when a band play a cover in a battle of the bands situation. Originality is key, so again, any bands who are looking to separate themselves from the competition, keep it original unless you want to separate yourself OUT of the competition!

Up last and by no means least Devilsome, this crazy trio were here last year I believe and bring a certain amount of theatrics to their performances. An old-school sounding band, it is straightforward old-school shock rock and metal with a bit of flair thrown in.

Devilsome are forged out of the likes of Sabbath, Alice Cooper, Judas Priest, and the like, a band with its own unique sound in the competition, a singular vision, and a taste for individuality. That alone should be appreciated and acknowledged.

I honestly couldn’t call it tonight. Who are the Voodoo faithful going to vote for this evening? Who are they here to support? It’s hard to know. All three bands have had a great reception, all starkly different in style, but everyone gave their all, and there is nothing more you can ask for than that.

Congratulations to Mourning Of The Heretic and Devilsome on going through to the semi-finals from last nights Metal 2 the Masses NI Heat FOUR. Brilliant turnout too, so thanks to all who attended. Great stuff!

I’ll see you all again at the next one Heat 5 – March 13th @ WooDoo Belvast (If You’re German)!

METAL 2 THE MASSES NI – HEAT FIVE DETAILS

Ticket link: https://wegottickets.com/event/689289