Rise To Remain/TRC/Kill The Conversation/Eden In Vain

Weymouth Pavillion

Hourglass Promotions continues to work relentlessly to bring the previously neglected music scene of Weymouth some of the best acts on the UK circuit to date. Following bookings of the likes of Hadouken, Funeral for a Friend, InMe and various reputable smaller shows, it was the turn of UK metal uprisers, Rise To Remain to grace the brand new venue setup at Weymouth Pavilion. The sectioned off area of the Ocean Rooms makes the venue slightly bigger than the Crow’s Nest (upstairs) which was used for previous shows, along with the pleasing feature of the doors being left open to allow the sea air to flow through the room.

Opening to a gradually filling venue was Portsmouth based band, Eden In Vain who didn’t hold back in their initial approach. The band describe themselves as playing “metal laced heavy hardcore” which is made evident through their sludge driven riffs and relentless screams. Itís always nice to see an opening band receiving a proper response, as some of the crowd scream back the lyrics to front man Oli Evans which leaves him smiling from ear to ear. At times they seem slightly disjointed in their instrumentals, but they make up for this with their eccentric, energy driven vibes.

Eden In Vain 1–2–3–4

Following Eden In Vain’s worthy opening set, up steps the “local” boys hailing from Dorchester in the form of Kill The Conversation, a metal band with a secret weapon; their front man. Jack England manages to impress more than a few of the crowd with his unrelenting anger and sublime delivery of his screams, and there were times where he sounded equally as potent as Parkway Drive front man Winston McCall, which for any metal front man should be a compliment worth shouting about. Vocals aside, the band’s riffs demand the crowd’s attention, but it seemed that after around the halfway point of their set, the bands instrumental efforts started to decline. Despite this, their overall performance showed that with time they may just have the potential to climb to the heights they dream of.

Kill The Conversation 1–2

Now it was time for the controversial moment of the evening, as London based hardcore outfit, TRC walked on to half of the crowd looking anything but pleased to see them. After turning up only a few minutes before their set time due to transport issues, it seemed like the odds were against the hardcore band. Things didn’t get any better when their opening song received little response and an unworthy applause, leading to powerhouse front man Chris Robson jokingly saying “tough crowd” as the final riff drew to a close. Then, in a surprise move Chris opened up to make the crowd aware that the band themselves are well aware that this is a metal show, and that they are 100% hardcore. In his honest approach, the closet hardcore kids step up, resulting in a response which met the standard the band asked for. TRC are unlike any other band I have seen before, as they combine raw energy and anguish in their vocal and instrumental display to create a sound which fuses massive riffs and pure British attitude. Songs such as “#Team UK” continue to improve the bands crowd involvement as they prophesise about the importance of UK music, which even the metallers amongst the crowd must have enjoyed hearing. Overall, it was one hell of an effort to upturn the odds being against them and TRC have well and truly proved they are fit to bask in almost any genres limelight. They are in my opinion, UK hardcore at its best.

TRC 1–2–3

Finally, it was time for the up and coming metal giants Rise To Remain to emerge from their hiding place. As their drummer blasted an intricate fill, the familiar soaring guitar riffs of the band ring around the venue to spur on the expectant screams of the crowd. Front man Austin Dickinson launches himself onto the nearby speakers and unleashes screams which you would expect to be unleashed from the pits of hell, but suddenly manages to make the transition to executing stunning clean vocals with effortless fluidity. A slow response from the crowd changes as soon as Austin announces previous single “The Serpent”, which leads to chaos unfolding amongst the crowd. Austin’s vocal work is not the only factor of the band which stands out, as lead guitarist Ben Tovey shreds his guitar to pieces, with solo work of which I have never seen at the level which he managed to perform at. Songs such as “Talking in Whispers” and “Nothing Left” result in triumphant sing alongs, but final track “Bridges Will Burn” marks the evening with an energy packed response to send Rise To Remain home with fond memories of their first trip to the sunny, seaside town of Weymouth. I honestly don’t see an end to the increasing popularity of this band, as their exciting material and pulsating live shows dictate big things for them. Their next studio album could just determine their fate.

Rise To Remain 1–2–3–4

Set List: Rise To Remain
Elusive
Illusions
The Serpent
Salvation
We Will Last Forever
Talking In Whispers
Power Through Fear
Purify
Nothing Left
Roads
Bridges Will Burn

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