Metal 2 The Masses, Heat 1: Norwich Qualifiers at the Brickmakers, Norwich

On Thursday 7th April, the Norwich metal community was treated to a selection of heavy metal bands from Norwich bands battling through the First Heat of the Metal 2 The Masses competition.

Metal 2 The Masses Poster. Image: The Brickmakers

The first performance was by Skin Changer, a Progressive Metal band. Being the first band to compete is never easy, especially when it is your debut performance! I enjoyed their sound, especially their guitar riffs, and look forward to seeing what they do next on their journey.

Skin Changer on stage at Metal 2 The Masses. Photo: Katherine Nicholls

Next up, we had ARCIIIVES, a Metalcore quintet formed last year. They had a great sound with lots of energy and during their second to last song 'Butcher', the pit opened! I caught up with ARCIIIVES after their performance,the Bassist Callum Raeburn Fellows said of the night, "Electric, there was violence, the crowd were fantastic, I feel blessed".

ARCIIIVES at Metal 2 The Masses. Photo: Katherine Nicholls

Solestial, a Progressive Metal band were up next. They had a marvelous crisp sound, with some melodic moments which made for an engaging performance. I especially enjoyed the song 'Conclusion'. Liam Tegerdine, Vocalist explained that last year's heat had been their first gig, but that this one "was probably the best gig they have ever played".

Solestial on stage at Metal 2 The Masses. Photo: Katherine Nicholls

Last but certainly not least, we had HEDRA, a popular Dystopian Metal band who brought an end to an exciting night with their incredible drumming, guitar work, and emotive lyrics!

The crowd and bands were waiting, drinks in hand with bated breath to find out who had made it to the next stage! The judges had a difficult decision, but the winners were HEDRA and the runners-up were Skin Changer.

The next heats will be in Ipswich and Cambridge with the Semi Final being held on May 16th and the Regional Final on Saturday 8th June at The Brickmakers.

The winners Hedra onstage at Metal 2 The Masses. Photo: Katherine Nicholls

The competition is now in its tenth year, with the winner's prize being a spot on the New Blood stage at the Bloodstock Open Air Festival. With the capacity for 20,000 people and bands such as Whitechapel, Unleash the Archers, and Korpiklaani playing, it will be a great event to be a part of.

A huge well done to all of the bands that competed in the Norwich Qualifiers, and good luck to the bands competing in the next heat!