This Is Turin
w/Human Hell and Portrayal Of Ruinn
The Salty Dog, Northwich, Cheshire
10/09/2021
Review by Rob Sutton
It feels like forever since I’ve been to a home town gig and it has many advantages. Firstly, I can walk to it, so no driving and secondly I can drink. I did have quite a few at this gig because it has been far too long since I had last been to a gig here. The Venue itself has had quite a makeover during lockdown; we now have a quality beer garden and seating out the front. Also, with local laws in Northwich now allowing drinking outside the front of a pub, means I’m not leaving my drink unattended. Tonight, is the first metal gig in a long time and we have a local headliner, a familiar opening band and a new second band, all of which were on the much heavier side of metal meaning no clean singing…oh no, the horror!
First up and this will now be the second time I have reviewed these guys, were Manchester’s Portrayal Of Ruinn. Last time I saw them I was saying how I wanted to see them on a bigger stage, alas it’s a smaller stage than last time. Nevertheless, their stage presence has vastly improved. All members seem to be banging their heads throughout and even Tom (guitarist) was off stage bouncing around and getting in people’s faces. This really works with their genre, they are deathcore and deathcore is in your face heavy. The fact that the sound here was so clear allowed for the crowd to really hear the way Tom (bass, yes I know two Tom’s is confusing), Tom (guitars) and Sean (guitars) all work in harmony to bring the riffs and breakdowns right to the forefront. This is helped by Chris (drums) providing the driving force behind them all. Calvin (vocals) has also much improved since last time; his range seems to get better with each gig. Sadly, with the sound being so clear, it was obvious when the intro track, which was played on a phone, ended up playing a completely different song in the background. I would isolate the intro so this doesn’t happen. This was a much stronger set than in July and is really showing how these guys are finding their sound and the stage show to match. I was gutted they didn’t get the reaction they deserved.
https://www.facebook.com/portrayalofruinn
Next up was a new band for me, Human Hell from London. These boys really bring the aggression, there is no mercy from the breakdowns and Dillinger Escape Plan style beat from the drums. The complete set is unrelenting and fantastic. I even ended up having a mosh and I wasn’t even that drunk. Much like Portrayal Of Ruinn before them, their guitarist found it a challenge to stay on stage, wandering off to start pits with onlookers and then deciding to go for some fresh air outside…The joys of a wireless set up. I wonder what the drunken revellers on the streets of Northwich thought of this? There was a strange style of vocals over this heavy hardcore music, it reminded me almost of a black metal style shriek, I’m not complaining as it works wonderfully and compliments the down tuned guitars brilliantly. These boys are a strange mix of many styles which all combine into a ferocious blend of metal. If you are one for heavy aggression, check these guys out but if you are not a fan of band members being up close and personal, I would stand well back. Actually, they’ll still find you.
https://www.facebook.com/HumanHellUk
Headlining tonight are Cheshire heavyweights, This is Turin. This is a band I have followed since their previous incarnation, FallOut when I was about 14. They have progressed massively since those early days and have become a Blackened Tech Metal machine destroying any venue in their wake. This is apparent tonight as every song sees a sea of banging heads, flailing arms and probably a bit of blood for good measure. It is so clear to see from tonight’s performance why these guys have gotten as big as they have recently, with the new tunes from the latest EP “T.U.R.I.N” getting the crowd in a frenzy all under the control of Daz (vocals). This is not to say Hayden (guitars), Davey (guitars) and Splinter (bass) aren’t doing the same, quite the opposite. While Splinter can be seen also off stage intimidating the crowd (he is bloody tall), Hayden and Davey will be banging away shredding every riff with immense precision. Now, I couldn’t go any further without mentioning Ben (drums), he is rapidly becoming known for being one of the fastest drummers in the scene right now (please watch Forlorn World’s performance from Bloodstock). Tonight, is another example of his sheer speed and brutality, he is incredible! This is Turin owned this night, like they do most gigs they play, 50 minutes flew by in what was a stunning set. There is a lot more to come from these guys yet. Keep watching!
https://www.facebook.com/thisisturin
By the end of the night, I was a drunken mess as usual, but it was amazing to see so many people from the North West in my home town, it puts a massive smile on my face. I’m really hoping more gigs can happen in Northwich and we get the turn out like we had on the night. Good friends, good beer, excellent music. What more could you ask for on a Friday night?
LINK:
https://www.facebook.com/saltydogpub
Disclaimer: This review is solely the property of Rob Sutton and Ever Metal. It is strictly forbidden to copy any part of this review, unless you have the strict permission of both parties. Failure to adhere to this will be treated as plagiarism and will be reported to the relevant authorities.