The Kunts

Pentre Fest 2023 – Day 2

Pentre Fest 2023 – Day 2
McLeans, Pentre
25/02/2023
Review by Alun Jones

Day 2 at Pentre fest – you could say I was a bit excited to get going. The ever-reliable Edd Case was performing in the marquee outside as I arrived, so I missed a chunk of his set sadly, as I paid my hard earned coin to get in and neck my first ale. Luckily, Edd did another slot of his excellent acoustic performance later on, so I got to catch him then. I think he was filling in for some band called Trashatouille, who couldn’t be arsed to turn up and attempt to play their own acoustic effort .

Scarfoot

First band on the indoor main stage was Scarfoot, and they made a hell of an impression. A three-piece band, they add an extra edge to their already formidable musicianship with the use of a 12 string guitar or a Dobro. This gives the band a huge, Zep-epic and individual sound. They all play with a convincing passion and were absolutely enthralling. I’d never seen them before, but had caught singer/guitarist Oliver Carins last year doing a solo acoustic set. Next time, these guys need to be higher up the bill! Scarfoot also blazed all over the acoustic stage later on, with a similarly massive sounding set, even without the drums.

https://www.facebook.com/thescarfootband

Frank Williams

Next on the second stage: a World Exclusive Live Debut! Frank Williams in his first official live gig, though sadly not billed as Victim of Damp. Frank is a Pentre Fest die hard, an unsung hero who has supported the event and pitched in with Fozzy and Beany from the beginning. This afternoon, Frank graced us with some acoustic covers (nice bit of Floyd) and banter, then introduced some comrades to help with humorous originals such as ‘Beany’s Car is Full of Shit’. Excellent crowd participation helped Frank’s set gallop home as a pedigree winner.

Lullaby for a Unicorn

It really wouldn’t be Pentre Fest without these guys. With a line-up change – or should I say, addition – in the shape of new vocalist, Gaz (who used to be the drummer. Come on, keep up!). This latest incarnation of Lullaby for a Unicorn was a refreshed and fun stallion, rather than a lame pony. There’s a little work to do to settle the new line-up in, but it was the same boisterous energy as ever as the Unicorn boys turned Pentre into a beautiful rainbow adorned meadow. Or blood-soaked battle field of metal mayhem, you choose.

https://www.facebook.com/rockmyunicorn

Scarfoot was next on the second stage. I’ve already covered that, go back and read it again.

The Human Condition

Despite a tech issue with the bass throwing a wangler with the first song, The Human Condition kept their shit together and provided another surprise. I had done no research whatsoever and didn’t know what to expect. By Odin’s beard, The Human Condition are a megalithic, doom metal colossus! Doom in the vein of Candlemass, or think Geoff Tate screaming for Trouble. Riffs are drip fed, leaving the audience begging for each new note. Add the most powerful live vocals I’ve heard in eons, and you have a force of biblical proportions. I bought a CD. You should check them out NOW.

https://www.facebook.com/TheHumanConditionDoom

Back to the Second stage for an acoustic Pelugion set – but we’ll get to them later.

Portrayal of Ruinn

A melodic deathcore band from Manchester way, Portrayal of Ruinn isn’t quite my thing on paper, but fucking awesome live. Possibly the most energetic band on stage at Pentre Fest all day, their combination of gutsy, nasty metal and bouncy, yet ferocious vocals proved a winner. They also know how to pace their set brilliantly – a few mellow sections lull the crowd into a comfy security blanket, only to have it ripped maliciously away. It’s the audio equivalent of a Video Nasty psycho killer – you’re never safe, Portrayal of Ruinn will never stop – and they will get you in the end!

https://www.facebook.com/portrayalofruinn

Syncolima

Reading back my notes here, and I can’t make a thing out of them. All I can fathom is that I REALLY liked this band: “Syncolima = great!” is about all I’ve got. They were excellent. Some kind of biker/stoner super heavy rock, they have groove aplenty and massive fuzzed out riffs. This three-piece from Mansfield, Notts were unmissable. New album “Wavelengths” is out soon, you’d be wise to watch out for it.

https://www.facebook.com/Syncolimauk

Miserable Sinner

Wait a minute – it’s that bloke from Bad Earth doing an acoustic set! Yes, it’s Steve from one of Pentre Fest’s favourite bands, backed with the other two ‘orrible ‘erberts, Karl and Ben (so semi acoustic, then?). The Bad Earth songs translate surprisingly well to the stripped-down sound, though they can’t compare to the full force fury of the full trio amped up and going for it. But then, what could? A great set that also included some cruel (ie hilarious) comedy signage behind Steve’s head, it also delivered a much needed bongo workout that was otherwise sadly lacking this year.

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089767142065

King Kraken

Mind. Blown. Thank the trident of Posiedon, King Kraken travelled up from South Wales (a right old trek) to play Pentre Fest, and I’m so glad they did. The Kraken are a huge, boisterous metal machine with crushing riffs and awash with an almost psychedelic lead guitar. My favourite band of the day, despite fierce competition – I made off with some booty from the merch desk and toasted their performance with a tankard of ale. Please check this band out, you will not regret it. Magnificent!

https://www.facebook.com/kingkrakenuk

Leatherback

Last year, one man electronica fiend Leatherback was first on the Pentre Fest main stage. This year, it’s a second stage headlining slot, which worked well. Nine Inch Nails comparisons are obvious, but relevant when there’s a cover of a Reznor classic included. Leatherback ripped through a roaring set that went down extremely well with the lively crowd, even though it was freezing outside – receiving a well-deserved, enthusiastic reception.

https://www.facebook.com/leatherbackworld

Pelugion

Pelugion had performed an excellent acoustic set on the second stage earlier, which seems to have been a great way for them to warm up for their main stage appearance. I’ve seen these guys before at Pentre Fest and they never disappoint. Skull smashing mega riffs, born from Sabbath and with a dose of Alice in Chains and early Soundgarden – a stoner/alt metal monster – is what you can expect. These guys are super professional, but with grit and determination that keeps the performance compelling.

https://www.facebook.com/pelugion

The K*nts

Headliners on the final day of Pentre Fest, the K*nts, drove over five hours from down Essex way to entertain us. With hits such as that Christmas favourite ‘Boris Johnson is a F*cking C*nt’ and ‘F*ck the Tories’, we knew we were in for a treat. Hilariously, the Green Room reserved for the bands had been double booked with a meeting for a local Masonic Lodge. I wonder how The K*nts and this bunch of blazer-and-badge wearing eighty-year-olds got along back stage. Honestly, you can’t make this shit up. It’s like Phoenix Nights on crack!

A strange choice to headline a metal festival for some, nevertheless The K*nts put on a top show and had the audience on their side before the first song was even finished. Delightfully obscene, but with a political edge that helps retain a tiny bit of highbrow cred too, it’s like Sham 69 with Tourette’s. Most of the song titles are unrepeatable for a family website like Ever Metal, but let’s just say that The K*nts and their filthy brand of punk rock and humour were a mad but genius way to finish Pentre Fest off. And it probably will be finished off, if those old Masonic dudes have anything to say about it.

Oh, and yeah – Fuck the Tories.

https://www.facebook.com/kuntandthegang

Another great festival, and triumph for Fozzy and Beany! Bring on next year.

LINKS:

Venue:

Promoter:

Disclaimer: This review is solely the property of Alun Jones 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.

Beermageddon 2021 – Day 2 – The Kunts

Disclaimer: This photo album is solely the property of Beth Jones. It is strictly forbidden to copy any part of these images, unless you have the strict permission of said party. Failure to adhere to this will be treated as plagiarism and will be reported to the relevant authorities.

Beermageddon 2021 Day Two

Beermageddon 2021 Day Two
Stoke Prior Sports & Country Club
Stoke Prior, Bromsgrove
28/08/2021
Review by Beth Jones & Rick Tilley

The dawning of day two in our little patch of grass, in a rather damp field in Bromsgrove brought with it some interesting feelings. Mainly still happiness it has to be said. But that was now joined with sleep deprivation, and the nagging question of “How the actual fuck does anyone enjoy camping?!” Every bone in my body felt like it had been ripped out and used to hit something with, then repositioned, only not quite in the right place, and good lord, what was that repulsive smell? Oh yeah…me!

But my woes were soon distilled when I was greeted by the smiling face of Noel Edmunds in the portaloo. I say the smiling face, what I really mean is the smiling faces… Many, many Noels watched as I conducted my morning ablutions, and while his porcelain mush does make me reminisce about Saturday night TV of my childhood, it makes any other, er… action, shall we say, slightly less easy. (Rick here. Just so you don’t think Beth has completely lost the plot, overnight, someone had stuck many A4 photos of UK TV Presenter Noel Edmunds all over the insides of the portaloos)!!

After my hallucinogenic toilet experience, and a quick can as a breakfast aperitif, we headed to the lovely JW Catering burger van for bacon, as is customary at such events. This marvelous little eatery was one of two at the event, the other being Little Al’s Kitchen, and between the two of them, they did a marvelous job catering for the revelers, even me, the awkward one with food intolerances.

And with that, it was back to business. The first event of the day was a small remembrance service for friends lost. This year has been harsh on the Metal community, as it has with communities, across most of the world. And this was a chance to remember with fondness. Rick and I observed from afar, as, with this being our first year, we felt it should be silent observers of the Beermageddon family of old at this point.

After a moment of melancholy, what we needed was more music. First up to provide us with our boogie boots for the day were Heavy Melodic Metallers, Sorceress Of Sin. Fronted by Lisa Skinner, a veritable powerhouse of vocals, they took us through half an hour of thunderous classic Heavy Fucking Metal, which again got the party started in fine fashion. One of our reviewers, here at Ever Metal, recently reviewed their new album “Constantine” and was very impressed. Judging by their performance here, his positive views were well founded. A great way to start the day.

https://www.facebook.com/Sorceressofsin

Next up was a firm favourite of ours, with the added bonus of also being Welsh (CYMRU AM BTYH), Democratus (Okay, so they might be from the South, so not proper Wales, like up North here, but I’ll let them off, because they’re jolly nice chaps ** covers head and waits for North/South divide backlash** I’m joking guys, please take nothing I say seriously, apart from the good stuff). One thing that always gets me with these guys is the power and passion in Steve’s voice, and this performance was no exception. Melodic Death Metal of the finest caliber, and those gathered in the room clearly agreed, as there was much jollification and banging of heads.

https://www.facebook.com/democratusband

Black Pyre where a new name to us, but again from the Wales (we plan to take over the world you know! One band at a time). They painted a stark Black metal picture for the gathered crowd, and this is the point where I will hand over to the esteemed Mr Tilley to tell you more about them, as he’s more into the Blacker side than me!

Hello, it’s me to talk about Black Pyre’s performance. Not being familiar with the material and with them being a Black Metal band it did take me a couple of songs to get into but then everything clicked big time. Black Pyre don’t play everything at light speed and that is, very much to their advantage. This is Doom laden and evil Black Metal that is old-school and reminded me on several occasions of late 80’s Bathory, which from me is high praise. I thoroughly enjoyed them and am looking forward to getting much more familiar with their music. Now, back to Beth…

https://www.facebook.com/BlackPyreMusic

I wasn’t quite sure what to expect from our next band, Dies Holocaustum. I like things to be a surprise, so I don’t check out any bands that I haven’t come across before we go to a festival, especially one where there are no clashes so you can conceivably watch every band. I was thinking, given the name, that we might be in for something blackened and doomy, but in fact what we actually got was some bloody good Old-School Death Metal, with more than a lot of Thrash thrown in for good measure. Really Heavy, really punch you in the face until your teeth fall out, really solid, and tight as anything. I was very impressed.

https://www.facebook.com/diesholokaustum

Repulsive Vision were another new name for us, but they brought another full-on Old-School Death Metal show our way, just after teatime, on a sunny Saturday, in a posh leafy village. The naughty in me really fucking loves that. What would the neighbours say? I don’t know, but my field of fucks to give doth be barren!! What a performance these guys put in. So much energy and emotion unleashing from them in what, in the grand scheme of things, was a pretty small space. The whole room was bouncing, and it was epic. I also have to mention here a fledgling metal head who, for the entire weekend, was having the time of their lives! I’ve since discovered their name – Oz. And they were slamming and circle pitting good style during this performance. It warms my heart to see the future living the dream right now. My 14-year-old is rather reserved, but she also approved of these guys, and you could tell this from the slight movement of her head. Her resting bitch face was slightly less restful, which is a firm sign of positivity!

https://www.facebook.com/RepulsiveVision

Filling up the main support slot tonight were a band that we, at Ever Metal HQ are familiar with, and very fond of, Ashen Crown. Hailing from the West Midlands and bringing a technical hit of Extreme/Death Metal, these guys are probably the band we knew most about at this festival. Having been another of the bands fresh from Bloodstock, frontman Kieran had been allowed out of quarantine, after picking up the dreaded rona, some 9 hours before this gig, and he was feeling the penance of the lurgi on his vocals. However, that didn’t show in their performance one little bit. It was tight as ever, heavy as ever, and in your damn face as ever. I don’t think I have ever seen these guys give a bad performance yet, regardless of the venue. Keiran mate, you really had nothing to worry about. And the gathered crowd will reaffirm that.

https://www.facebook.com/ashencrown.uk

Our headliners for Saturday were a comedy party punk band, lovingly known as The Kunts, or Kunt And The Gang, depending on which circles you move in. In full festival tradition, Saturday is the time when everyone is warmed up enough, and suitably oiled by drink, to have fun, before the inevitable Sunday ‘OMG I think I might be dead, I smell dead, I don’t remember what the outside world looks like, and my liver has become a warzone’ lull sets in. The Kunts were indeed the perfect soundtrack for that. Sadly, I was probably too sober to appreciate them fully, as I can’t take pictures drunk, and Will Tudor would have thrown me out of the pit if I was, because I would have been a liability (health and safety is vital in these situations). They were essentially a very comedic anarchic punk rock act, which was musically done well, and they had an endearing stage presence. The prude in me got bored of the toilet humour quickly, but the anarchist in me loved it! And ‘Fucksticks’ is now my new favourite expletive for when things go wrong and is infinitely more satisfying than ‘Buggeration’ which is what it has replaced.

https://www.facebook.com/kuntandthegang

And with that, Day 2 was over, and we were knackered, so we went to bed!

LINKS:
www.beermageddon.co.uk/
www.facebook.com/beermageddonfestival
www.facebook.com/groups/247287828724525

Beermageddon 2022 Event Page
www.facebook.com/events/247818157211596

Disclaimer: This review is solely the property of Beth Jones, Rick Tilley, 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.