Stampin’ Ground + Wolfbastard + Chained Existence – Star and Garter, Manchester 30th July 2026
Stampin’ Ground + Wolfbastard + Chained Existence
Star and Garter, Manchester
30th July 2026
Review by: James Meldrum
Photos by Rob Lindesay @rock.the.lens
Chained Existence
First up at the legendary 200-capacity Star and Garter venue were new UKHC band Chained Existence from Bristol. Those who arrived early were treated to an aggressive set of metallic hardcore with plenty of beatdowns, reminiscent of the sort of bands on Rucktion Records. Since watching them, I have been enjoying their 4-song ep ‘Nothin’ But Greed’ and brand-new song ‘The Game’ (which sounds a lot like Knuckledust!). Both are available to check out on Bandcamp. I can see these gentlemen getting more popular and they are well worth your support.
Wolfbastard (https://www.facebook.com/dbeatblackmetal)
Next up were three-piece Wolfbastard from Manchester (or Oldham to be precise), who have been going for a few years now. I enjoy a mixed line-up, and it was nice that all three bands had contrasting styles. Wolfbastard are what I would describe as a mix of d-beat and raw black metal. They played fast, heavy and tight but didn’t take themselves too seriously and were making jokes between every song. It was great fun, and you can check out the new album ‘Satanic Scum Punks’ through Apocalyptic Witchcraft Records.
Stampin’ Ground (https://www.facebook.com/stampinground)
For those unaware, Stampin’ Ground are a veteran metallic hardcore band from Cheltenham who started in the mid-1990s and first called it a day around 2006. During that time, they played extensively. I saw them in the back room of dingy pubs, supporting (and smoking!) big metal bands, and they also played at Donington in front of tens of thousands of people. They released a couple of 7”’s (which were combined onto a self-titled MCD), four full lengths and a few other bits and pieces. They had some line-up changes along the way, and their style evolved. The MCD and first album ‘Demons Run Amok’ had slow, heavy chugging riffs and sound to me like Destroy the Machines-era Earth Crisis meets Inside Out. Current vocalist and natural frontman Adam replaced Heath on the 2nd album, where they started to mix in 80’s thrash. The planets aligned for the 3rd album ‘Carved From Empty Words’ in 2000, which is a classic that still sounds fresh and holds up today. The 25-year anniversary of that album prompted them to do some reunion shows in 2025, including a slot at Damnation Festival. Then, luckily for us, they have decided to do more shows in 2026. The band currently features Adam (vocals), Ian (bass) and Ade (drums) from the ‘Carved…’ line-up, as well as new members Jim and Paul on guitar who are doing a sterling job.
We squeezed back in the upstairs venue for Stampin’ Ground just after the first song started, and it was now packed. Bodies were already flying everywhere up front, and energy levels from band and crowd never let up throughout the rest of the evening. The set featured heavily from the ‘Carved From Empty Words’ album, and some highlights I recall were ‘Mid-Death Crisis’, ‘By Whatever Means Necessary’ and set closer ‘Officer Down’. There was one song (‘Lesion’) from 2nd album ‘An Expression of Repressed Violence’, as well as the odd song from the very Slayer-influenced 4th album ‘A New Darkness Upon Us’ such as ‘Dead From the Neck Up’ and the no frills ‘Pain Is Weakness Leaving The Body’, which is a favourite of mine about not giving up when at rock bottom. It first featured on a split ep with Knuckledust (my preferred version) and will have been written with maximum crowd violence and singalongs in mind.
There was, of course, the tragic news five days earlier that Lou Koller had passed away. Adam paid a touching tribute to Lou and Sick Of It All and the band played a great cover of ‘Just Look Around’ (or at least half of the song!). You will be greatly missed, Lou, RIP.
A brilliant evening overall. The response from the crowd showed that people still care about Stampin’ Ground after all these years, and they had a big impact. Adam also hinted that the band was writing, so here’s hoping we can hear some new material soon!
Venue
https://www.starandgarter.co.uk/
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