Summer Slammer 23
Summer Slammer 23
Rebellion, Manchester
15/07/23
Review by Rob Sutton
Summerslammer has firmly cemented itself in the Manchester calendar as a fan favourite, and with another stunning line-up showcasing the underground scene, what more is there to want?
Kicking the day off is Kent Nu-Metallers Entity, a band I personally haven’t heard of so this immediately perks my interest. Despite breaking down on the way to the venue they manage to load in, set up and sound check within 15 minutes – pretty sure that’s a record! So the music itself is very early 00’s Nu-Metal and this is highlighted by the cover of Linkin Park. Personally I would have put this towards the end of the set but hey, it was a good cover. The rapping is actually really good and is a real focal point of their set which is also driven beautifully by the fantastic bass tone. Normally I would comment on the heavy use of backing tracks but for their sound this does work, although the lack of a guitarist is definitely missed. Nevertheless, this was the perfect warm up for the day. Nu- Metal lives!
https://www.facebook.com/alwaysNTT
The first of many Manchester bands to hit the stage next is the psychedelic synth infused mash-up that is Reptilian Humanoid. These guys definitely have a sound that is hard to come by with the opening song really showcasing the powerhouse behind the kit. The drums certainly lean more on the metal side, with the vocals going for a more rocky vibe. What I really like about these guys is the use of actual synths as opposed to backing tracks, it really showcases the musicianship live. In terms of their set there are a lot of clever guitar solos and keyboard solos, which makes the set really enjoyable. For a genre I’m not big on, these guys really hit the spot and the crowd loved them.
https://www.facebook.com/ReptilianHumanoidBand
Manchester based technical death metal band Technologist hit the stage with a beautiful intro. I will say though, they definitely need to walk on stage while this is playing as I think this would give the perfect opportunity to pump the crowd. Musically Technologist do what they always do, wowing everyone with their stunning musicianship. The riffs are outstanding and their pace change throughout songs is a marvel to watch. Vocally this is probably the best I have heard the clean vocals. They cut through with such ease and add a fantastic contrast to the growls which also have massively improved, particularly the lower range. Once again Technologist have showcased a phenomenal set, and we all can’t wait for the live recordings!
https://www.facebook.com/Technologistband
Recall the Remains are a band I have reviewed on multiple occasions and each time they stun me with their improvement. Today is no exception with the vocal range being absolutely sublime. There is a mix of lows, highs and even a cheeky pig squeal for good measure, and the cleans are on point today as well, making for some great singalongs. For Recall the Remains to be on this early and showing this level of quality, stage presence and crowd engagement really highlights the fact that these guys need more headline shows. To say they blew me away was an understatement!
https://www.facebook.com/recalltheremains
Travelling down from the North were Promethium, a band that has been on the gigging circuit for around 16 years now. Today is a slightly different set for them as they welcome back original vocalist Steve for a one-off set as their current vocalist couldn’t make the show. This means we are treated to an old school Promethium set consisting of gritty thrashy vocals as well as some very tasty guitar riffs. Despite being off stage for a few years Steve hasn’t lost anything when it comes to pumping up the crowd, having them do everything he asks of them. Musically this is what you would expect from a band with this much experience, it was tight and well refined. The only niggle was some of the clean vocals were a little flat, but this was an all round solid set.
https://www.facebook.com/Promethiumband
Betray the Throne immediately gain extra points for wearing a Thrashatouille t-shirt on stage and begin their set with quite possibly the intro of the day, this being a mash up of drum and bass with their name mentioned within it. Nick then does a fantastic job of keeping the energy up instantly, blasting into their Hatebreed style hardcore. The guitars actually sounded much clearer this week than at Coalville meaning the riffs and breakdowns can really shine with the bass rumble and blistering drums in tow. This leads the crowd into numerous pits throughout. For me, it is great to see Betray the Throne on a stage this size and their stage get up of banners and lights are a nice addition. Betray the Throne really are one of my top bands in the underground scene and if you are a fan of hardcore I cannot recommend these enough!
https://www.facebook.com/betraythethrone
A special place in my heart is always held for the Deified lads as they were the first band I played with in my current band. Since then they have gone on to play bigger gigs just about everywhere, including the Sophie Stage at Bloodstock. Over the years Deified have refined their sound to the point where they are a melodic death metal machine. The guitar melodies really are something special and driven once again by some fantastic drum beats which hammer their sound right into the faces of the audience. Today’s set is quite possibly one of their most energetic sets to date! The crowd well and truly love every second of it and Jamie does a fantastic job of controlling the onslaught. Impressive is an understatement.
https://www.facebook.com/deified
Back to the Manchester bands and to Rebellion regulars I am the Wreckage. Again these guys I have seen on multiple occasions and each time they are hyper on stage. Today is no exception to this rule, as the intro track finishes they immediately bounce on stage in typical hardcore style. The rest of the set continues that way with constant crowd engagement and the crowd respond in perfect fashion, opening the pits up and bringing the violence. Although they ran over their set time slightly this was another perfect example of how hardcore bands should be… full of energy, full of aggression and shed loads of fun.
https://www.facebook.com/IAmTheWreckage
The single hardest band to review of the day has to be Agent47, simply because this is an all day event put on by lead vocalist/guitarist Rick. Agent47 are one of those bands that mix multiple influences to create a truly unique sound. There are elements of death metal and nu-metal with everything in between. All these are performed to a high standard and fit brilliantly together with the 3 guitars making their overall sound feel huge. I also have to give a mention to the death growls which have massively improved from the last time. If I’m honest, this wasn’t the tightest set ever but who cares? It’s fun and gets the crowd going.
https://www.facebook.com/Agent47UK
Its been a fair amount of time since I last caught Clashmute and last time they converted me into a fan. Tonight it’s easy to see why I’ve been converted, their Parkway Drive style metalcore really hits the spot and the sheer amount of presence on stage is brilliant to watch. A bit of Deja Vu on the drums as Brad from I am the Wreckage takes his seat behind the kit and frankly does an incredible job as he truly looks a part of the band. I am a big fan of this set, the vocals work nicely, the guitars work (when they don’t cut out) and the engagement is spot on. Although the rap interludes are a bit different, the fact this isn’t done live is a bit meh but that aside this is another belting set.
https://www.facebook.com/clashmute
The day is moving along at a rate of knots and the crowd are starting to waver a little but that doesn’t stop Portrayal Of Ruinn when it comes to whipping up a pit or two, as well as a few shoulder riders (definitely trademarking that phrase). Being former M2TM Manchester winners (something they never mention) the level expected is certainly high and PoR do deliver with crushing riffs, breakdowns and stunning drums, for me the drums have always been a stand out as they are intricate but fit the style. Vocally, the mid-range is good and obviously the “bleughs!” are on point but the lows to pig squeals do feel a little rough around the edges and perhaps are not at his desired pitch. Portrayal Of Ruinn always put on a good show and all being said today is no exception. An old school deathcore band on the rise!
https://www.facebook.com/portrayalofruinn
The award for the band who has travelled the furthest goes to Hounds! These guys I have reviewed before but a lot has changed since then. We have a new vocalist who with him brings a whole new take on their Hardcore sound. We have a more gritty metallic side and he pulls it off to good effect as well as having the energy and crowd engagement needed for hardcore. Bass is normally an instrument that is overlooked in a band but the tone of Hounds is just chunky and really makes me smile. With a new line-up comes many issues, tonight does show that they aren’t quite as tight yet as they were before but this will come over time and also the crowd seems to have thinned more. This I think is down to the long day of metal. Still, Hounds put on a cracking show and are definitely a band to watch.
https://www.facebook.com/houndsuk
It has been a very long day and closing out SummerSlammer are the mighty Waterlines! I reviewed these guys in their previous guise of Sertraline and when new vocalist Ben joined but now they have truly found the Waterlines sound and boy is it good! The light show, the backing tracks and the on stage presence is just on point. Musically there is still some nice technicality brought over and the smashing metalcore influences Ben has brought too. Their whole genre is refreshing and exceedingly professional in the performance, the guitar melodies are fantastic and really cut through like no other band today. Vocally the singing is spot on and the range of growls is equally impressive. I’ve said earlier that bands are on the rise but people need to sit up and take note of Waterlines – this was sublime!
https://www.facebook.com/WeAreWaterlines
Summerslammer 2023 I would say was a success, every band brought their A-game and the brand itself is growing year on year. Bring on ‘24!
LINKS:
Promoter:
Venue:
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.
