'Ticket's There' – Irish and International Music Blog

The time has come; this Saturday six of the country’s best metal bands will compete for a chance to represent Ireland at the world Wacken Metal Battle final! You know what that means? It means one of these bands will travel to Germany and reign holy hell down on the lousy competition other nations see fit to select and Ireland will conquer the world of metal as we know it.

Before all that happens – you, the great unwashed, must pile into The Pint and see these global leaders of the future before they get too big. Six bands, all very well known on the local scene and all well established and road tested – each one with a thirst for blood that would put Romania and Luis Suárez to shame.

[Updated] Stage times have just been announced, can be found below. Before that, let’s have a look at the bands who will be battling (pun intended) on the night in alphabetical order.

7 Days Dead: 7 Days Dead were, in my eyes, the surprise winner of Heat #2 of the finals. They fought off stiff completion from Dead Aeon and Beltbuckle Overdrive to make it through and deservedly so. After just two year’s together the band already sound and play like a tightly functioning unit. Their debut EP, Beyond Within, came out in February this year and displayed real talent and ability to diversify their sound.

Bäkken: Another Belfast band coming down to kick some Celtic arse. Bäkken are a ‘new'(not ‘Nu’) metal band who good for old skool metal tactics (NWOBHM), rather than letting the new stuff interfere too much (basically – no rapping or Chester Bennington impressions). With an album and a lot of expierence already under their belts, Bäkken are a must see for this final.

Exzeltic: Born in Dublin, raised by Thrash! Exzeltic are our favourites for this final. Formed in 2007, Exzeltic are still quite a young band and have come a long way over the past year since they last competed in the finals for this festival. They’re older, wiser, more fosued than before and their stage show is armageddon. Expect lashings of tracks from their two demos (Higher Forces and Ground Zero) and hopefully a new tune or two. ‘Agents of Chaos’!!!

Killface: One of the acts we haven’t gotten to review yet, but their reputation speaks for itself. Killface have been synonymous with thrash/death metal for a few years in Dublin now and that standing is only set to grow. They are number 1 on my ‘bands to be drunk for’ list this Saturday and I will do everything in my power to ensure that happens – headbanging y’all.

Overoth: Now this is a powerhouse of a live band. Overoth are not to be f**ked with; especially since yer making them come all the way down from Belfast (maybe themselves, 7DaysDead, Zombified and Bakken will share a bus – that would be a hangover if ever there was one). Stage presence, performance – everything is nailed down tight by Overoth and the dry ice will ensure enough oxegen leaves your lungs so you get that wonderful euphoric feeling.

Zombified: Second on the list of ‘must be drunk’ bands – Zombified. Grindcore, so a change in pace from the rest of the bands playing on the day and yet another band from the grand auld North. They’ve been around a good long while but really came to full in 2010 when the cemented their current line-up. Let’s hav’ yeah – more fodder for the Zombies!

It all goes down this Saturday, April 27^th at the Pint on Eden Quay, Dublin. Entrance is only €5 / Doors are at 7.30 and audience gets to vote; so get in early, avail of the drink promos and enjoy judging some quality Irish metal. There will also be a rock/metal covers band playing after the six competitors are finished – Under An Evil Spell so make a night of it.

STAGE TIMES
21:00 – 21:22 Killface
21:37 – 21:59 Exzeltic
22:14 – 22:36 Overoth
22:51 – 23.13 Bakken
23:28 – 23:50 Zombified
00:05 – 00:27 7 Days Dead
**************************
00:45 – 01:30 Under An Evil Spell (Rock and Metal Covers)