Depravation Festival 2024
Depravation Festival (“Amplifying the Spirit of Independent Music”)
Levels, Swindon
30/08/2024 – 01/09/2024
Review by Mare Grills
When I saw that there was going to be a Metal Festival in Swindon (the Metal Desert), I just had to get a ticket and go. My head was elsewhere last year so unfortunately, the first one just wasn’t on my radar. The organisers of Depravation Festival really know how to blast your eardrums and your soul by hosting an outstanding weekend of our music.
For those who need pictures, I apologise in advance – I’m the shortarse who always ends up behind the tall guy and my kids haven’t taught me to use the camera on my phone yet.
Dep Fest is a three-day indoor festival. The venue, Levels (Main Stage), has been decorated by one of Swindons finest graffiti artists, Jaksta, providing an amazing backdrop for all the artists and the event. Second stage was in the adjoining pub, The Rolllestone – both of which are long-standing music venues under the same management.
The whole feel of the festival is welcoming – people travelled for miles to enjoy an epic weekend with a phenomenal lineup of forty bands, some of whom I’d heard of and an opportunity to hear many that I hadn’t.
From die-hard festival goers (yes you Beermagdoners, two weekend festivals in a row!!) to newbies, everyone was collected into the Depravation Family.
The organisers, Martin Camp (Chief Prick), Freddie Thomas (Stage Bitch)
and Chris Middleton (Sound Wanker), played a blinder pulling it all together. They coped with last minute hitches, late arrivals and an unforeseen cancellation (an imminent baby for Thrasherwolf had to take priority for them ), so well that the whole weekend seemed seamless; a huge tribute to the team, and to the bands that took part. If there was a bit of a wait, we had time to catch our breath and catch up with friends and surely that’s all part of the party.
Day 1
Atarka (Main Stage)
These guys showed us how to open a festival! Full-on energetic and heavy. Their frontman, Jamie, told me that being the opening band can be a bit intimidating, but they loved the energy and the vibe of the crowd, and we loved them. The two vocalists worked wonderfully well and having two bassists created a gut thumping rhythm that made me very happy. ‘The Mountain’ and ‘Barbarian’ and songs from their new EP (due out at the end of the year) made this an amazing set and they should be proud. They have gained more new fans than just me this weekend. Line up: Jamie (frontman), Alex (bass), Hayden or Biff (guitar), Adam (bass) and Phil on Drums.
https://www.facebook.com/atarkaofficial
Vulgore (Second stage)
A real headbanging set on the second stage, and I really enjoyed them! Great bass and guitar (or Goretar as they like to say). Hailing from Stoke, these guys put on a great performance, playing songs from both their first and second EP’s ‘Bliss’ and ‘Archaic’ respectively along with a track called ‘Subhuman’ from their new album which is due out soon. Have a little look on Youtube.
Line up: Nathan (singer), Dave (goretar), Andy (other goretar), James (bass) and Hayden on Drums.
https://www.facebook.com/The.beast.Vulgore
Desecrator (Main stage)
I’d heard good things about this band from their performance at Beermagedon last weekend. My first impression was that they’d forgotten to pack their drummer, but no – they didn’t need a real life one! Mark (vocals and guitar) has a gentle, story-telling affinity with the crowd, but then comes the storm of bass and Death Metal growling with a hauntingly melodic undercurrent. A new EP ‘Invoking Thy Eternal Reign of Torment’ is due out by the end of the year, check them out on Spotify, Facebook and Bandcamp! (I did warn you about the pictures).
https://www.facebook.com/DesecratorMusic
Bloodshot (Second stage)
Another amazing set with great drums from Ed, described as ‘three labrador puppies on crack’ by one of his band mates (identity undisclosed to protect the guilty). It was a solid and enjoyable performance – great stagecraft, growly, up-tempo and loud, what’s not to love? They are based around Oxford so if you get a chance to go and support them, please do. Their EP ‘Absence,’ and more of their music on YouTube. Line up: Mac (guitar & vocals), Will (bass), Liam (guitar) and Ed). There’s a picture somewhere but I had to crop my daughter and her can of cider out of it – she was enjoying herself way too much.
https://www.facebook.com/BloodshotUK
Broken Jaw (Main stage)
I’ve seen this band a couple of times before and have always had a blast – their exuberance, stagecraft and sheer energy makes every time a treat. With the bassist in the crowd, and Nutzie on vocals running riot all around the venue, as well as ordering a sneaky beer at the bar during the performance, it was hectic pandemonium. Even the venue resus dummy made an entrance in the circle pit. The band clearly enjoyed being here and so did the crowd. Much of their set was from their last album, “Purge Yourself,” and introduced songs from their new album, “No-One Cares” (due out at the end of September) – like the ultra-divisive question – ‘Pineapple Pizza?’ To Punk to be Metal and to Metal to be Punk – have a listen, enjoy and you decide. Line up: Nutzie (vocals), John (guitar), Sam (guitar & vibes), Josh (Bass and fashion), Sean (drums).
https://www.facebook.com/BrokenJawUK
The Heretic Order (Second stage)
What a show!! Spooky, heavy and amazing, exciting guitar – I couldn’t believe it when I discovered that it was the first gig that Andrea (guitar) had played with the band, Claudio (drums) was clearly delighted with the performance and so were the audience. The set was mostly from the bands’ latest album “III” and ‘Evil Rising’ from the second album of the same name.
Honestly? I could listen to this band all night. Danny on guitar and vocals was outstanding and Connor (bass) a joy to watch and listen to. I see that they have stage names but I’m too old and confused to type them. Get yourself a glass of wine or a beer and have a YouTube fest with these guys to get you ready for when you really should go and see them. If you’re anywhere near Swindon in November, they’re playing at the Vic, supporting Breed 77 – I’ve bought my ticket already!
PS – I haven’t put a photo in, because it was daylight when they played and it just wouldn’t seem right!
https://www.facebook.com/thehereticorder
Divine Chaos (Main stage)
Sadly, I didn’t manage to catch all of this set but thoroughly enjoyed what I did. Songs from their album “The Way to Oblivion” with some from their new album as yet untitled, which is currently being produced by Scott Atkins and mixed by Chris Clancy – so as well as the undoubted skill of the band, they have some really heavy hitters in the industry putting the music down – I can’t wait to hear it.
Line up: Jut (vocals), Chris (guitar), Matt (guitar), Craig (Bass) – and a Swindon man, Marius on drums! They were just brilliant – do look them up or better still, go see them live too.
https://www.facebook.com/divinechaosband
Gutlocker (Second stage)
I wasn’t really sure whether I would enjoy this band – but my goodness they were great gritty growly vocals and solid guitar. They played the majority of the songs from their debut album “To Be Alive” along with a new song ‘Downcast’ played live for the first time. They were loud, they were raw, and they were hugely entertaining. Line up: Craig (vocals), Ben (flycatcher), Pete (OAP entertainer) and Dev (the devilishly handsome one) – thanks Craig, I’ll let the guys get their revenge for this .
https://www.facebook.com/gutlockeruk
Raging Speedhorn (Main stage)
I loved it – that is all.
The band really enjoyed the reception that they got from a crowd who were delighted to see them, and especially in awe of the guy who knocked himself out in the pit and then came back to carry on!!
You would never have noticed that they lost their guitarist (not sure how, but the one-way system in Swindon is a bitch), and Don (his replacement) had only an hour to learn all the songs.
Far more accomplished reviewers and Metalheads than I will go into detail about the set, but I was just happy to be there listening to a band of this magnitude in Swindon.
https://www.facebook.com/ragingspeedhorn
And that was day 1 done! Phew, what a day!! Amazing start to the weekend.
Day 2
Well, my ears were still ringing despite the very sensible precaution of those ear thingies (ok, I took them out a few times). I was up bright and early and looking forward to a fun filled day of more Metal.
Dog Tired (Main stage)
Dog Tired opened the Main Stage in a rearranged slot having missed their anticipated Friday performance after spending 11 hours on the Motorway heading down from Scotland. All credit to them for not turning round and going home, and to the Dep Fest team for being able to accommodate them as it was a set I’d have been sorry to have missed. Anyway…WAKEY WAKEY!!!!
Good, heavy and loud with outstanding riffs – unexpected tempo changes kept us on our toes, too, along with stunning musicianship and timing! It was a treat to be there. Much of the set was from their album “The Red Verse,” released in 2023. Formerly a four piece, Luke is now Guitar and vocals, Keith on Drums and Barry on Bass and backing vocals, and the band is celebrating its 20th birthday by going on tour. They’re in Europe starting in October and will then come nearer home.
The Infected Rain backdrop was there all day, so please don’t be confused.
https://www.facebook.com/dogtiredmetal
ChemiQueen (Main stage)
A female fronted group, they gave a great performance after a hard 6 days supporting Project Renegade all over the country. Victoria has a great voice, and it was a treat to hear them. From their performance you wouldn’t have noticed how tired they all were, and even though Victoria told me that this was the hardest gig of the week for them, they still enjoyed it. Songs for their recent EP such as ‘Into the Storm’, ‘Confession’ and ‘Guts and Glory’ along with some new material made for an enjoyable set.
https://www.facebook.com/Chemiqueenmusic
Existentialist (Main stage)
Crikey! When you hear experienced reviewers chewing the cud and saying that this is their band of the weekend and it’s not even tea time, you know it’s going to be good!!
I’d describe it as Orchestral Undertoned Death Metal (but what do I know?) Keyboards, strings, and the huge voice of Patty – it was a tight, precise wall of sound and I loved it. The whole set was from their second album “The Heretic” (Seek and Strike records); they’re working on a new EP due out Spring 2025 and are on tour from 14th – 22nd September with Osiah as headliners, the Beyond Extinction Deathcore Showcase Tour. These guys are definitely ones to watch, and you should absolutely go and see them!
Line up: Jonny (guitar), Olly (drums and orchestra and backing), Patty (vocals), Phill (Bass) and Sam (guitar)
Oh – and we also got the first pit of the day!
https://www.facebook.com/ExistentialistUK
Zero Point Zero (Second stage)
The first band up on the second stage, and these guys smashed it. They were tight, energetic and fun. An immensely enjoyable band! It’s a shame that there was a clash with Krysthla, and people had to leave to see the other band, as these guys deserved a bigger audience. Line up: Sebastian (Rhythm guitar), Paul (Bass), TJ (Drums), Chris (Vocals) and Adrian on Lead guitar.
https://www.facebook.com/zeropointzerouk
Krysthla (Main stage)
I felt a bit bad about leaving the second stage, but it had to be done. Krysthla gave us a huge sound and the second pit of the day! You could tell they were having a blast, and were delighted to return after the drummer broke a pedal last year – and the crowd loved it! It was loud and heavy and expertly presented. Frontman Ady, has wonderful stage presence – go see them if you haven’t already, and if you have? Go again. They have a new album out, called “The River” and you can get a physical copy (Yay! Actual physical products that you can hold!) from their website Krysthla.co.uk
Line up: Ady (Vocals), Neil and Tom (co- lead guitar), Liam (Drums), Jake (Bass).
https://www.facebook.com/krysthla
Colour of Bone (Second stage)
A high energy highly organised four piece, they’ve played in this configuration for nine months. They’re a very talented bunch and I loved the set, most of which was from their EP, which they are currently updating, but can be found on Spotify (I must ask my granddaughter how this works). It says a lot about the band when pretty much all of the audience stayed until the end of the set, missing the Main Stage offering. They’re releasing a new EP towards the end of October and I for one will be checking it out.
Line up: Dave (lead vocals), Johnny (lead guitar), Jack (Bass) and Will on drums.
https://www.facebook.com/Colourofboneband
Thrashatouille (Second stage)
Fan Alert!! It’s hard to describe the UK’s only Chef Metal band (to their knowledge) but here goes – an awesome, entertaining, funny, clever, riot of Metalcore with a ‘Fat, sick and nearly dead’ doughnut crowd surf . To be fair, as Rob Sutton, frontman explained, it was more of a crowd paddle as the bar is quite small and all chefs are aware of the health and safety implications of a ‘surf’ in a confined space.
The set had everything the audience loved, participation, humour, tight musicianship, enthusiasm and a song called ‘Balls Deep in Greggs’.
Again, it was impressive that nobody left the set to go to see the bigger band on the main stage as there was an overlap.
They have released three EP’s to date: “Rise of the Bludgeonaise”, “UK Chef Metal” and “The Mighty Meat.” Go check them all out. There really wasn’t that much bare floor-space until they all went in for the ‘paddle’.
Line up: Rob, (Pastry chef and vocals), Gerb (Sous chef and guitar), Chris (Head Chef and bass) and Dan on drums and Pot Wash.
https://www.facebook.com/Thrashatouille
Project Renegade (Main stage)
By this point I was flagging. I managed to catch the last couple of songs by Project Renegade on the main stage and sincerely wish I could have been in two places at once. The band has come over from Greece for this tour, and from the little I saw and heard, it was really worth the journey for us. I will be watching out for these guys in the future.
https://www.facebook.com/prenband
Ambrius (Main stage)
My notebook says, ‘large red wine please?’ at this point… Making it easier to order at the bar, or just my inner monologue taking over? I’ll let you decide! Anyway, then I caught a bit of Ambrius, excellent vocals, tuneful and some wonderful growly bits, and sooo good musically.
https://www.facebook.com/AmbriusOfficial
Dystopian Sun (Second stage)
I really enjoyed these guys. They were on the New Blood Stage at Bloodstock in 2023 having won Metal 2 the Masses North Wales and I saw them at Pentrefest in February this year. They put on such a good show, Deathcore, hard and fast and loud. I am really looking forward to seeing them progress and grow from an already extremely tight and talented band. Their EP “Ignite the Hatred,” based on mythology, is an amalgamation of songs to remind you to be kind to yourself.
Line up: Jac (vocal git), Reece (rhythm git), Lewis (lead git), Rhys (drums git) and Dan (baby bassist git).
https://www.facebook.com/DystopianSun
I had to leave then because my number one female festival child was coming home from Poland, eta at my house 6.00am, and my gig buddy Shawn was arriving early on Sunday to spend the day with us at Dep Fest! So, it would have been rude not to be awake for their arrival.
Day 3
Second Cities (Main stage)
I missed Second Cities to my eternal shame – on the bright side, my responsible adult, Kathy, didn’t. Here’s what she had to say:-
“What a great hangover cure! Really good, people climbing over everywhere. Great opener, tasty riffs, great presence, rapport and banter, and brilliant interaction with the crowd”. (I think she should be doing this instead of me).
This Birmingham based band is currently recording their debut album and Jamie happily announced that their first single, featuring Ryan McCoombs, is out now.
They’re playing in Blackpool on 4th October and hosting ‘Citiefest’ on December 15th in Birmingham. Check out their Youtube channel and Facebook.
Line up: Jamie (vocals), Luis (guitar), Tony (guitar), Dan (bass) and Josh on drums.
https://www.facebook.com/SecondCities
Drallion (Main stage)
Real keyboards – yaaaayyyyyyy! This Progressive Metal band were good and heavy with melodic, dramatic riffs. They made a real impact, and we loved them. Great lyrics delivered by a great vocalist, and the Keyboard playing described as a combination of Robert Fripp and Rhys Fulber by my friend Shawn, who headed straight to the merch stand and then disappeared on the pretext of taking the CD back to his car! He couldn’t resist a sneaky listen and was gone for ages, because he couldn’t turn it off!
Their first album, “New Machine” (2021) is a reet good listen, and the second album is apparently ready to record. Based in Bournemouth the lineup of Jamie (vocals), Jeff (bass), Adam (lead guitar), Matt Smith (Keyboards), Max (rhythm guitar), Andy (drums and bites people) is a musical force to be reckoned with. Find them on YouTube, and Facebook – but do go to see them live (as with all the great bands I’ve been privileged to see over the weekend).
https://www.facebook.com/DrallionBand
Enquire Within (Main stage)
I’d been looking forward to seeing this band and I wasn’t disappointed, they were an instant dose of blood fizz with solid riffs and a huge sound, great with the crowd, and just massive amounts of energy and entertainment. Vocals were just what you would wish for and to top it off, they performed the Dep Fest charity song for the Sophie Lancaster Foundation, put together by 18 of the artists performing at the event under the blood sweat and tears of the organisational nightmare by Martin Camp and the Crew.
This was a leaking eyes moment for me, as the foundation was very dear to my late husband’s heart.
https://www.facebook.com/EnquireWithin
Mother Vulture (Main stage)
From ‘Why don’t you jump off a cliff??’ to the last chord of the set the pure energy of this band just gripped me. I have yet to fathom how the huge voice, with such range emanates from the slight form of the lead singer Georgi. Chris and Brodie (stuntmen, guitar and bass – I think, I’ve never seen them standing still long enough to work that one out) were just everywhere! I have been fortunate to see a lot of bands, but very few have I seen make professional photographers walk away shaking their heads!! Once described as Led Zeppelin on speed, these guys are amazing musicians, frantic, frenetic and f**king entertaining! Every time I see them, I’m left breathless – what’s not to love?
For obvious reasons there are no photos to accompany this paragraph!
https://www.facebook.com/MotherVulture
Discharge (Main stage)
A full-frontal Punk Rock assault, they still have it after all these years ! I left my friend Shawn with a beatific smile on his face, watching them for maybe the 20th time and loving every minute, to pop off to see what was happening upstairs.
https://www.facebook.com/Dischargeofficial
Dethonator (Second stage)
Dethonator was what was happening on the second stage! Great sound, great performance and the audience loved it, staying for the Metal despite the draw of Discharge on the Main stage.
https://www.facebook.com/DETHONATOR
Iron Altar (Second stage)
Bringing a hit of Tech/ Death/ Sludge, these guys travelled all the way from Scotland and absolutely nailed their headline spot on the Second stage. They were the Full Metal Battle Jacket, and I loved them. I will be following this band on the platforms, they were awesome.
https://www.facebook.com/IronAltarBand
Evile (Main stage)
So, the question is, how to finish an amazing festival of Metal? Double bass drums, the snare drum massacred on pretty much the first song, so a replacement was provided by another band (brave souls, they’re not cheap), and
Awesome, beautifully discordant parts with wailing guitars. That’s How!! Evile were everything I’d hoped to hear and more. The interaction with the crowd was great and they finished with ‘Creeping Death’ as you’ve never heard it before. What a way to close an awesome weekend.
To all those who went home early to be up bright eyed and bushy tailed for work on Monday morning – Evile made me happy to turn up to work deaf and battered.
https://www.facebook.com/evileuk
This was truly an epic festival. And as well as talking to the bands, I also spent some time talking to the crew who put all this together. Martin Camp (Chief Prick), explained that heart and soul went into creating the festival, and I can vouch for the special feeling that it had for me as a paying guest – I just felt at home from the moment I arrived.
His ethos is to care for the community – the ticket prices are as low as they can possibly manage to enable people to attend. Swindon is a deprived area and he and the team are doing their best to make sure that people can feel included and create a sense of community. He cares about the smaller bands, treats them with respect and tries to make them feel unstoppable and it showed in the comments that I had from the bands.
The team managed to rearrange schedules to allow people to play and stayed relaxed when technical issues might have thrown them – and he said how good it was that the bigger bands were happily surprised at how relaxed the whole production team made them feel.
I spoke with Chris Middleton (Sound Wanker), to get his thoughts on the weekend and the part he played. He wanted to give a huge thank you to all the bands, the venue, and the cool small (very small) team that made it happen. There were a few technical hitches, but they were quickly overcome. HIs highlights were the performers who had wireless instruments and mikes – because they made the most of being able to travel around the auditorium and could hear ‘front of house’, the same as what we could hear. They were all hugely impressed with the sound quality. As Chris pointed out, it doesn’t matter how many people attend a gig, it’s the sound that makes it a success or not. Chris – you played a blinder.
Freddie Thomas (Stage Bitch) said that for him the highlight of the weekend was when Enquire Within performed the charity song live. “There was a real atmosphere of unity and family, which is exactly what Metal is all about”.
Who could possibly argue with that?
Depravation Festival. Thank you
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Disclaimer: This review is solely the property of Mare Grills 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.
