M2TM Heat 4 Rebellion, Manchester 26:01:2025

Storm Eowyn reared its ugly head across the land and caused havoc. A different type of storm was brewing here at Rebellion though as Metal 2 The Masses is well and truly underway. 6 bands would become 2 as only a judge’s choice and crowd vote would make it through this evening. 6 new bands to me and another snippet of Manchester’s stacked underground scene. The turnout would be healthy tonight despite it being January, cold, and at least two other metal gigs taking place simultaneously in the city center! We’re here at Rebellion though, with an earlier-than-usual start time of 5.30 pm, first up was Stay Safe.

Stay Safe
The graveyard slot. How would they handle the pressure? Pretty well it would seem. Yes, this was a much-welcome injection of enthusiasm and energy with a pop-punk styling offering something different from anything in the competition to date. Would they be able to make the genre transition work and earn either the nod from the judges or the crowd’s vote? We’d have to wait and see. The crowd seemed a little cold at first (metaphorically and literally) which was a shame. Would the same energy they output on stage be better reciprocated if they had played later? Only time will tell. A fair start to the festivities.

Mines
Time for some alternative metal now! Three guitars added an extra layer of density and texture to the band’s sound. The two vocalists added a variety of tones and options. Or at least this was in theory. Sadly, something felt off and the overall mix was too loose and muddy. The vocalists struggled to project their voices in addition. However, things did improve later in the set and we started to get more of the aesthetic and melodic undertones shining through. Sadly though, it would be a surprise if they were to make it through.

Undurskin
Things that shouldn’t work but do! Just two men, bass and drums. Yet here they were laying down the gauntlet for the rest of the competition with an absolute riff fest, sounding gargantuan in the process! In contrast to the previous band, fewer cooks here didn’t spoil the broth and each instrument (and vocals) were fully optimized for a slower groovy style thrash inspired sound, much like Megadeth in their Symphony Of Destruction era. After all, the likes of Bell Witch make it work so why can’t Undurskin? It was clear to see the duet had brought the punters in tonight and would be a strong contender for the crowd vote.

Third Kulture
Bold, and ambitious, the trio summed up what Metal To The Masses is about with a fusion of RNB, soul, and metal offering something very different. Their energy on stage was admirable and the crowd was certainly engaged. On stage though, the sound was sadly off, with some issues with the levels either drowning out the three vocalists or with them overpowering the mix at times. The lack of a physical drummer was always going to hinder their energy. Still, this could have a chance of getting a judge’s nod for their solid crowd engagement as many wiggled, jiggled, and vibed along!

Phallic Rage
Potential winners, right here! Their stoner-infused metal was a hit with the huge crowd they had drawn as well as the casual observers. Riffs after tone perfect riffs, the band filled the stage and moved around effortlessly, an energy that transferred easily to the crowd. The crowd was firmly in the palm of their hands. Especially with the bovine intervention; unleashing a guy in a cow onesie onto the crowd which sent the energy through the roof. It would be some strange parallel universe in which Phallic Rage would not go through tonight. Even the band’s bassist breaking his wrist hours before didn’t stop them as a dep was sourced on very short notice!
Given Bloodstock’s history of booking bands of this genre for the Jaeger stage, then seeing the likes of Phallic Rage may be a realistic prospect…

Pew Pew Laser Force (PPLF)
PPLF arrived with two goals in mind; to cause carnage, and to give the judges the most difficult of decisions! Within mere seconds of their first note of the competition, the pits had opened. That pit would only grow larger and threaten to engulf the entire venue, with bodies crashing into one another with reckless abandon. The bands’ modern metalcore sound infused with electronic synth elements sounded huge and crisp up there, with earth-shattering sub drops and chest-thumping bass lines sending the crowd feral, commanded confidently by frontman Ryan. Another legitimate threat to the title right here!

Verdict:
Judges vote: Phallic Rage
Crowd Vote: PPLF
No complaints here. The right bands went through. Commiserations to Undurskin in particular and all the other bands. Though there will be a wildcard spot…will any bands from this heat get that nod?