Walking into an already busy place, the first band, Hell Puppets, were roaming the stage and well into their set, delivering a blend of metal, punk and horror to an enthused crowd, the younger part of the crowd enjoying it the most. The band seem to play through the numbers with what seems like a rather generic sound, but they and the front half of the crowd were enjoying themselves and that’s what counts. Certainly a fitting band to open for Evil Scarecrow.
Next up came a band that haven’t hit the stage in 6 years, tonight gave no signs at all that it had been that long as OutCryFire owned the place. Starting out with an awesome classic rock track intro before flying into their own material, this band bleeds metal. From the thrashing guitar tones, the most beautiful of Jackson Rhoads V’s with ghost flame artwork (a personal favourite guitar!) and an on stage presence from a vocalist that acts less man and more looming giant. Short stories break up the thundering set but take nothing away from the band, if anything, they engage the fans perfectly making all seem more connected with the band rather than it being the first time for most. The Underworld is far busier now and close to capacity. The band deserved such a crowd to witness their comeback and, considering this was their only confirmed gig with no idea when/if they would be back, they put out a flawless set, a flawless performance, and sadly, it seems over all too quickly.
By now, looking around, the eclectic crowd are all crammed in, and almost everyone, regardless of size and age, are smiling like 4-year olds hearing the first ice cream truck of summer. Clearly Evil Scarecrow are up next, and that has even the most metal of people looking giddy like little school girls!
See our review of Evil Scarecrow in Zine 7!
