Beermageddon 2024 Preview
Beermageddon 2024 Preview
August 22nd – 25th
Stoke Prior, Bromsgrove
Preview by Beth Morait
Once a year, the sports and social club in the sleepy village of Stoke Prior, in the West Midlands, gets taken over by the great and the good of the Metal scene…and it’s magical! Now in its 12th year, the festival, with everyone’s favourite crazy uncle Jim Beerman at the helm, promises to be as epic as every year. I can’t wait to be there again. We missed last years’, and I’m in desperate need of sitting in a field with all the people I love and respect the most. We’re taking the kids this year too, because this truly is a family festival. The revellers at this festival are like one big family, and if there’s kids around, everyone keeps an eye on them to make sure they’re safe, happy, and having fun. It’s such a relaxed atmosphere that’s also helped by the security team. It’s the same team every year, and not only are they brilliant at security, but they’re also die-hard metal fans, too. So they completely get it, and make the whole event pleasurable for everyone. (Beware though, if you’re playing music too loud in your tent in the small hours, Troggy will come and shout at you for disturbing the neighbours, and he absolutely will not take any bullshit!)
There’s also a great array of food there, with Little Al’s Kitchen being my personal favourite, as he caters to my stupid gluten intolerant ass, which is much appreciated. His chilli is the absolute bomb! I hope he does it again this year.
So what’s in store for us this year? Well, if you get there early enough, on Thursday night is the metal disco. There is no finer site in all the world than a denim and leather clad throng dancing to ‘The Birdie Song’ and ‘Oops Upside Your Head.’ Miss it, miss out, as they say!
But if you’re not up for shaking it like it’s 1989, then the live music kicks off on Friday afternoon, and culminates on Sunday night. On Friday night it’s also the annual fancy dress competition! This year’s theme is Science Fiction, so make sure to pack your alien costume and phaser gun if you’re planning on taking part.
Music wise, this year’s line-up is probably the strongest ever, and there’s lots of bands I’m very excited to see.
Concussion
These are a new one for me. They’re Facebook description depicts them as ‘Bastardised Hardcore from the West Midlands.’ I took a quick listen to their EP, “Forbidden Milkshake” that was released in February this year, and it’s a good meld of Thrash, riffage, and shouty vocals, with some growls added in for good measure. ‘Unholy Judge’ is a banger!
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100087779199528
Gorgonchrist
Again these are another new name on me. Another UK band, but this time Blackened Sludge Grind Crust Punks! That’s a lot of genres to get in. Checking out their brand new album, “And Justice For Balls” (lol, this really made me chuckle), it’s full on energy and rage. There’s a hell of a lot of groove to it too. This is going to be explosive live, and could potentially cause carnage in the Prior! I can’t wait.
https://www.facebook.com/gorgonchrist
Healer of Bastards
Continuing the theme of ‘bands Beth’s not heard before’ are the next band on the list: Healer of Bastards. That’s a bold name, because there are a hell of a lot of absolute bastards about at the moment – can they possibly heal them all?! Another West Midlands band, they promise a glorious meld of Rock & Roll Hardcore Thrash Skate Punk! Sounds interesting! So, what are they all about? Well, speed mainly! It’s like someone took The Offspring and fed them a lot of caffeine! I like it though. Again this is destined to be a crowd pleaser, and will definitely add to the ‘let’s just fucking party’ spirit of the occasion.
https://www.facebook.com/healerbastards
Thrashatouille
From three bands I’ve never heard before, to one I’ve heard, seen, reviewed, and photographed more times than I can count. And Ever Metal’s very own roving reporter is their Frontman. So what do Thrashatouille do? Well, answer me these questions: Do you like food? Do you like Thrashy, Deathy, Groovy riffage with guttural vocals? And do you like comedy? If you answered yes to at least one of the above, then you’ll like Thrashatouille’s brand of metal, lovingly coined ‘Chef Metal’.
https://www.facebook.com/Thrashatouille
Invicta
Another new name to the whole scene is Northamptonshire based Modern Wave British Heavy Metal band, Invicta. They’re a bunch of very young looking chaps that make me feel very old indeed! They reached the Final of this years’ Bloodstock M2TM Northants competition, and it’s clear to see why. Although they don’t have full releases under their belt yet, their single ‘Under a World of Devastation’ is a great start! The classic Heavy Metal influences are strong here, and it’s very well done for a first offering! It pleases me a lot to see young lads kicking out sounds that are way beyond their years. Looking forward to seeing more of them.
https://www.facebook.com/officialinvictaband
Eversio
Eversio are also a relatively new band, formed in 2022. Hailing from Carlisle, they bring some Melodeath, merge with New Wave of American Metalcore. Again they took to the M2TM stage this year, but in the Newcastle heats. And their performance there was only the 4th live show they’d played. They’ve recently released a four track EP, too, with the title track ‘Ruler Of Nothing’ being the lead single. It’s crunchy and chunky, and perfect to pit to. Judging by their sound, they’re bound to go down a storm at Beermageddon. The sound has a very solid feel to it, which I really like. I’m not the biggest fan of Death Metal, but this sound is interesting. There’s more to it than just tortured screams.
https://www.facebook.com/eversioband
Under Blackened Skies
This band is a new addition to the line-up, after Nottingham Death Metallers, Kryptess, had to pull out. After a brief conversation with Jim, I know he’s really stoked to have Birmingham’s Under Blackened Skies as a replacement. So, what do they bring? Well, brutal Death/Groove Metal in short! Fast, loud, and right up in your grill. They’re certain to be a crowd pleaser.
https://www.facebook.com/underblackenedskies
Embodiment
Technical Death Metallers Embodiment have been kicking it on the scene for a good few years now, and will be on most people’s ‘ones not to miss’ list at this year’s Beermageddon. Songs laden with technical wizardry and classic melodic solos will please the gathered crowd, and if you like a bit of brutal growling and screaming, you’ll be in your element here.
https://www.facebook.com/EmbodimentOfficial
Catalysis
Another band who’ve been around a good few year, and have 4 EPs and 2 Full Lengths under their belt. Dundee’s Catalysis are like a gentle hug in the face with an anvil! Punchy, Groove laden Thrash Metal that’s a dead cert to wake you up if you felt like having a bit of a snooze. I’m really looking forward to seeing these guys live. Their most recent album, “Betrayer” dropped last year, and it’s a properly well-rounded and well-executed album, full of Scottish ferocity.
https://www.facebook.com/catalysismetal
Ramage Inc
Continuing the North of the Border shenanigans are one of my all time favourites: Edinburgh Progressive Metallers, Ramage Inc. I have a great video of my then 8 year old son absolutely losing his shit to Ramage’s online lockdown concert during the pandemic. I shared it with the band at the time, and they were happy to see the induction of a new Metalhead happening! Well, now the young padawan is 11, and he’ll be with us at Beermageddon this year. And Ramage Inc are up there on his list of bands to check out. If you don’t know them, why not?! Where have you been? They’re Progressive style melds all that is great about Metal. Superb technical elements, mammoth beats, crazy riffs, and epic vocals, all knitted together with production values that are tighter than a duck’s arse! Seriously looking forward to seeing these guys again – it’s been way too long.
https://www.facebook.com/RamageInc
Sanity’s Rage
Bringing a European flavour to things are Belgium-based Technical Thrashers, Sanity’s Rage. It’s the perfect name for them, as they basically play unrelenting fury, set to technical riffage and bullet-like Thrash drums. This is going to set the venue on fire, and will have the entire place bouncing. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again – I’m not the biggest fan of Thrash. But when it goes that extra bit further, out of the boundaries of the Classic style of the 80s, I can get on board with it. Listening to their most recent single, ‘The Final Exhibit of Pain’ I would say that I’m probably going to like them live.
https://www.facebook.com/SanitysRage
GR/EF
CYMRU AM BYTH! We have a Welsh band on the bill! Tidy like, innit! I first saw these guys a couple of years back, when they competed in the North Wales M2TM competition. They blew me away. I was one of the judges for the heats that year, and when we went to deliberate about who should go through, GR/EF were hands down my band of choice. For a brand new band they were professional and absolutely on point musically. But they had one sticky niggle – they didn’t have a singer, so it was just an instrumental set.When I reviewed the gig after, I made this point, and had a long chat with the band about getting a frontman who could elevate them even further. Two years later and they have done exactly that. I’m so stoked to see them again, because I know they will now completely explode my brain! They’re technical, modern, hard-hitting Metal is right up my stryd Metel Trwm!
https://www.facebook.com/griefinhell
Beyond Grace
Nottingham’s Beyond Grace will move things back firmly into the realms of Death Metal when they take to the stage. Musically, they’re very technical, and they do love a good chunky riff. Personally for me though, the relentless growl vocals aren’t my bag. That said, they are very good at it! So if full on meaty Death Metal is your thing, you’d be very foolish not to be witness to this set. Death Metal is always a winner at Beermageddon, so they’re going to go down an absolute treat.
https://www.facebook.com/wearebeyondgrace
Desecrator
Originating from the dark depths of the Scottish Highlands, but now residing in the slightly less unforgiving Worcester, Desecrator are fast approaching 20 years of existence. And they promise Melodic Death Metal steeped in History, Religion, and Gaming Lore! It’s certainly downtuned and filthy, and perfect for chugging down some serious grog too. The growls synonymous with Death are ever-present here, too. But the sound is much more driven by guitars, and would be a suitable accompaniment to slaves rowing a ship hundreds of years ago. Another strong addition to this line up, especially if you like Death Metal.
https://www.facebook.com/DesecratorMusic
Blasfeme
Black Metal from Bristol is basically all you need to know about Blasfeme. They serve up a healthy dose of classic Black Metal, complete with punishing beats and riffs, and screams that even a wailing banshee would struggle to perfect. This is heavy as hell, and will certainly be a good pick me up for anyone who might be flagging. There’s no let up in their music at all. It’s just crazy fast and overflowing with Blackness!
https://www.facebook.com/blasfemeband
Ofnus
More Welshness on the bill! This pleases me (not that I’m in the least bit patriotic or anything!) This time it’s the turn of South-Wales’ Atmospheric Epic Black Metallers, Ofnus. These guys have hit the ground running since they formed in 2021, and have gathered acclaim from the Black Metal world. It’ll be my first time seeing them, but I’m looking forward to checking them out. Musically, there’s a lovely melodic, haunting, celtic feel to things, and I can’t wait to see that on the stage.
https://www.facebook.com/Ofnus
Master’s Call
Birmingham based Blackened Death/ Heavy Metallers Master’s Call will continue to turn up the heat on the way to the infernal gates of hell at Beermageddon. Their music is indeed a schizophrenic merger of Blackened Death Metal, and Old School Heavy Metal. It’s kinda odd, but I kinda like it! And I think it’ll definitely grow on me when I see them live at Beermageddon. They’re up on my watch list, because I just really want to see what this crazy train looks like on stage!
https://www.facebook.com/MastersCallOfficial
Lawnmower Deth
If you’ve not had the pleasure of witnessing these absolute lunatics, and masters of their art, then you’re in for a treat. Lawnmower Deth broke my duck for interviews when I first started getting involved in this lark back at Uprising 2017. Talk about a baptism of fire. I’d been told they’d eat me alive (probably in an Egg Sandwich), but they were consummate gentlemen! And much as they would have you believe they’re the most amateur bunch of ne’er do wells you’ll ever encounter, they’re actually superb professionals and stalwarts of the scene. They aren’t afraid to have fun, and indeed their madcap tomfoolery is what makes them special. I can’t wait to see these bunch of rotary grass cutting devices, and laugh until I ache. There really couldn’t be a better headliner this year.
https://www.facebook.com/lawnmowerdethofficial
And there we have it! Only another few weeks to go, and I can’t describe how excited I am to be there. If you’re there, I’ll see you in the pit beautiful people! If you’re not, then you’re going to be seriously missing out.
PS – don’t forget your wasp repellent.
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Disclaimer: This article is solely the property of Beth Morait 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.
