Metal fans living in Dublin, drinking anywhere but Fibbers tonight are losing out (broke, sick, murderous fans excused), because when you get three bands like Psykosis, Exzeltic and Edenfire playing the same night together, it’s not something to skip. Club Carnage may not be the most packed venue of all time, but there’s a good strong crowd in to hear some of the best thrash metal Dublin has to offer. A night made even sweeter by cheap entry, cheap booze and more than enough room to mosh the Buckfast away \,,/
Edenfire are just getting warmed up when TT reaches the venue. Only the second group on and already there’s an impressive crowd gathered around the front of the stage. The band sound strong, playing tracks from their debut EP and displaying skills that only come from the vast number of shows Edenfire have been playing over the last two years. Getting better with each performance and definitely ones to watch over the next year.
Ever since seeing this next band sweep through last year’s Wacken Metal Final semi finals; Tickets There has loved Exzeltic. In fact I’d find it hard to understand anyone who likes thrash metal not liking them. Adam, Connor, Neil and ‘Giller’ are four of the most talented, energetic and ferocious musicians on the scene today. With a small arsenal of songs at their disposal, Exzeltic has masterfully wielded their tracks into merciless destroyers. Extended solos played with extreme precision and unrelenting riffs pack their unfortunately short set with more power than you’re likely to see from any of the greats. Their bruising ‘Agents of Chaos’ and cover of Megadeth’s ‘Hanger 18 finish the night in epic style. Exzeltic are a new band with a lot to offer. Now we just wait until they’re ready for a full blown release. However tonight belongs to headliners Psykosis and they’re ready to light this place up.
I’ll be blunt – Psykosis are so good live its borderline ridiculous. This is the third or fourth time I’ve been able to catch them and each show sets the bar a little higher. They trump their excellent support bands in terms of performance, catalogue and skill together. Each song is delivered with flawless style and gut punching brutality. Yet the band still maintain and extremely relaxed, fun approach and are able to put on a stellar show without it seeming a challenge or like they’re going through the motions. Band interaction between songs and their best known hits saved till last (‘Toxic Fugitive’ and ‘Terror at 3am’!) complete a night of unbeatable metal.
What we got here…is some of the finest talent the Irish metal world has to offer; in the prime of their early days together. When these bands start releasing albums and touring extensively – there will be no stopping them. Anyone who like their Overkill, Megadeth, Slayer…etc, needs to get their asses down to the Pint, to Fibbers and anywhere else they play and support these bands before we lose them to the continent or the States. One incredible night from all involved.