SOS Festival, Longfield Suite, Prestwich, UK
14th July 2017
I Saw The World Burn, Amethyst, Prognosis, Prometheum, Go Primitive, A Jokers Rage & Kill II This
SOS Festival celebrated 10 years this year and did so in style. The line up was killer and I was immediately interested in coming. The headliners looked great, and the under-card was immaculate. This was my first year attending this festival but I have always heard good things about it. I was definitely excited to check things out. The weekend was broken down between two stages: the main stage, where all the bands played at full blast and the acoustic stage, where things went slower. So there was a nice mix over the weekend. Not just in style but also in genre, with a wide range of rock and metal to please any fan. I had a busy weekend, running around between the two stages and also conducting interviews on top of that. I will say that I had a lot of fun. I mean, I’m completely knackered, but I loved every moment.
Friday night, was a pretty damn heavy one. With all the bands meeting the intensity and power of headliners, Kill II This. I didn’t know what to expect from any of the bands playing on the day. Yet, I remained optimistic for what was to come. Opening it up proceedings was UK metallers I Saw The World Burn. Wow, I was completely blown away! They were loud and impressive. They had complete control of the stage. In particularly the front-woman, Katie Cairns who had a real stage presence. Her voice was really powerful and roared above the music. The riffs were large and the early crowd of SOS Festival were really into it. The music was quite consistent. With the vocals being even more impressive with every song. They weren’t the most dynamic of band with every song hitting the same notes all of the time. Yet, it worked somehow. Like Hatebreed or Darkest Hour they had the intensity and energy to make this kind of set work.
Following that performance was the always enjoyable Amethyst. The thrash metal band exploded with big riffs and big solos resulting in big ass tunes. Their sound is classic thrash with sharp tones and a tight production. They brought the fire with this set. They had an almost instant connection with the crowd. As they played, the people kept funnelling in and the atmosphere just got better from there. The guitars screeched and the bass was thundering down on the Manchester crowd. Everything just felt massive. The songs were really well written and I think that really came across to the audience. Although thrash metal isn’t 100% my thing, they definitely impressed and they worked well for a Friday evening.
In quick succession, we had Manchester based progressive metal band, Prognosis. They were as interesting as they were talented. The technical skill was actually mesmerising. With sweeping guitar solos and complex riffs they sounded great. The songs were filled with broken riff patterns and winding melodies. It made for an interesting listening experience. They had a groove to them and the bass was laid on thick. Definitely an interesting sound. Maybe it’s not for everyone, but I got into it more and more as the set went on. There was a lot of passion to the music but their stage presence might need some work. Even though they had the tunes, they didn’t really feel like they were owning the stage. I would like to see some more energy and intensity from their sets. They need to really take command and show their personalities more. Their music is good, I recommend it, if you’re into heavy, doom style prog music.
The acoustic stage boasted some impressive acts as well. First of all we had Prometheum. They had a simply lovely sound. Simple music and beautiful vocals they were captivating in every moment with both of their 15 minute sets. I also got the opportunity to watch a bit of Go Primitive, they were fun and hit some incredible vocal harmonies. They had some real personality to them and I enjoyed their sets as well. Overall the acoustic stage was strong on the day and it was only going to get better as the weekend went on.
Next in store was my biggest shock of the weekend. A Joker’s Rage, won me over in a heartbeat. Their music was really enjoyable matched by the band’s personality. There was an energetic vibe throughout the venue. The production was tight and the band just completely dominated the stage. I loved songs like “Bounce” and “Temptress”, and yes I was definitely having a dance and a boogie to them. It always says something when I immediately buy a band’s music as soon as the set has finished. Yet, I enjoyed them way too much not to. The riffs were good, the solos were well executed and ending the set strong with a tribute the late Chris Cornell. They played a cover of “Cochise” by Audioslave, which got my nostalgia senses tingling. Just like me, the crowd went nuts for it. Ending the day of were headliners, Kill II This. This was my first experience of them and I have to say they were interesting. Although, I don’t feel like I could get fully into them. After the set from A Joker’s Rage this was a bit more of a tamer set.
That’s not to say they weren’t entertaining, they really were, but it was just a totally different set. They had a very urban style production to they songs, the music was very ominous and primal with an intense groove to the bass and drums. The guitar was roaring and vocalist was belting out his words. It was a blunt and hard hitting set and a great way to cap off a brilliant first day of a festival.
Words: Mick Birchall
Photos: Laura Piggford (LorathNahhr Photography)
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