Hang The Bastard are back: after announcing the slot at this year’s Download Festival, the band felt it was time to get out back on the road and play some shows. Possessing the tenancy to thrive in a world which is saturated with talented metal bands competing within the same sphere is not easy feast. Tonight’s show at The Barfly proves that Hang The Bastard are on the right path to deliver a stunning and meaty live performance. Since their debut EP in 2009 Raw Sorcery these utterly dedicated Londoners have shown to be constantly evolving their sound with numerous pathways into the field. There is no issue of people not getting here on time: as a healthy crowd of metalheads starts gathering within the walls of the tiny, dark venue, there is a noticeable festival atmosphere taking over, despite the heavy rain pouring down outside. With the very first tech-metal riffings of ‘Feedback To Eternity’ and ‘Vigil’ there is no disappointment as the band is on a great form and takes over the stage with confidence and lethal force. Devastating screams and gut wrenching gutturals enrapture the audience: ‘Interplanetary Portals’ and ‘Sweet Mother’ go down brilliantly, thanks to prominent guitar punches and frenzied assaults that make bodies tumble. The fans are clearly left roaring for more, luckily Download and the forthcoming tour with Dragged Into Sunlight are almost around the corner. With their superbly well-engineered set, Hang The Bastard are ahead of the curve and clearly stick their heads about the parapet, gaining a distinct advantage. For those of you that are seriously ready to headbang: 2013 is the year of the bastard.
Hang The Bastard
London, The Barfly
May 12th
Marcus J. West
Photos: Fabiola Santini