BRIT ROCK ARMY PRESENTS: Demise, Severed Ties @The Flapper, Birmingham 8/1/13

The first week of the New Year is a weird thing. It’s not Christmas, its not festive. No one has any money, no one has been paid, and no one really is feeling up for much.  If this partly explains the lower than would be ideal turnout, then it only tells part of the story.

Add to that the not inconsiderable headache that one of tonight’s trio of bands has pulled out on the day of the event, then you can only commend all concerned for putting the thing on at all.

It must be difficult organising these types of gigs on at the best of times. And – lets be totally honest about this – January 8^th when it’s raining outside and when Villa are in the semi-final of a cup, isn’t exactly the best of times.

This hasn’t stopped two of the West Midlands most promising rock and metal bands from taking the stage with relish. Severed Ties have only been around for a few months, having formed last year, but have already been gigging extensively and released the fine EP – (which you can download for free from Bandcamp)

RTM owes them an apology, however, we didn’t manage to get there until 8pm, by which time they were around halfway through their set. One of their number is wearing a Behemoth t-shirt, while singer Aidan is sporting a Slash one. Quite apart from the fact that at RTM we always like it when bands wear gig t-shirts, their sound has very little to do with either band. Their ambitions seem to be somewhat more in the prog metal sphere. Not many young groups stick out a “semi-conceptual” first EP but these boys have. They clearly have plenty of talent, as a pretty faithful cover of “Creeping Death” by way of a closer shows. Ones to watch in 2013.

Cannock’s Demise have been together a little longer, but are still to unleash their debut recording on the world. They bill themselves as a “riff-heavy Southern rock band.” But if the term “southern rock” conjures up images of confederate flags and “Sweet Home Alabama” then you are in the wrong area. When these boys say “Southern Rock” they mean New Orleans, Louisiana and the same swamps that brought us Down, Eyehategod and the rest.

Demise have evidently – and ashamedly, given their cover of “Lifer” – listened to plenty of Phil Anselmo’s mob over the years and seeing as they one of our favourite bands too, there is a lot to like.

That is not to say that this is a mere derivative pastiche, however, in fact they echo the groove heavy riffs of Black Spiders in parts. They are blessed with a fine lead guitarist in Craig Williamson and his excellent work lifts songs above the norm.

With only two bands on the bill they get to play an longer set than normal, which after “Contender” closes things actually sees Severed Ties Aidan join them for a good fun, knockabout version of Pantera’s “Walk” which both groups clearly enjoy. It brings a real good, fun night to a close.

It is a night that proves – if nothing else – underground metal in the West Midlands has plenty to shout about this year.