To the outside observer the Irish metal scene may not seem to be up to much, with few bands making any sort of waves internationally (although that should all change, thanks in no small part to the new Primordial album). You’ll be happy to hear though that the underground, indigenous metal scene is strong, with tonight’s triple bill attracting a nice sized crowd. Main support Geasa, won the crowd over with their powerful Gaelic black metal, although it was Hexxed who showed the most promise, stealing the show outright. Their supremely technical death metal roar isn’t confined by any limits and the songs aired from their forthcoming seven-inch show a group who aren’t afraid to push boundaries. Powerhouse drumming bolted firmly onto schizophrenic guitar work, which shifted nicely into crunching, brutal riffing and crazy-fast time changes was the order of the day. Plus they’ve got a front man who could give Strapping Young Lad’s Devin Townsend a run for his money in the raspy, growled vocals Olympics. Hexxed is definitely a name to remember and keep an eye out for. Celtic warriors in battle dress led the procession that saw Mael Mordha take to the stage in what was probably a case of more substance over style. If Cruachan are a little too ‘tourist metal’ for your liking then you should look into this lot, although if you think raw, heaviness and trad music shouldn’t mix then look elsewhere for a fix. Always able to draw a crowd tonight they just didn’t seem up to the challenge put forth by the other two bands. Stripped to theirs waists and covered in blue war make-up (think Braveheart) they put up a fine fight, blasting out their pagan metal anthems with gusto but after what had gone before it just wasn’t enough. [END]