With the Heat 1, now behind us and Theories Divide and Within Without graduation on the the next round, our focus is now firmly set on tomorrow’s (24th January) blistering line up. Overdrive has prepared a preview of what to expect from the six bands taking part for Metal 2 The Masses Ireland, Heat 2.
VILE REGRESSION
Referring to themselves as “Progressive Metal”, Vile Regression are a band to watch out for, not only in M2TM’s but in general, as they have a tendency to literally knock the living shite out of anyone that stands before them. The five piece from Dublin, have been together since January 1st 2007 and are showing absolutely no signs of slowing down what so ever. It’s members include Baz Christie on Guitar, Kenn Christie on Bass, Robb Behan on Drums, Padraig Croke on Vocals and finally, Brian Brady on guitar. Their EP, “Empires” is free to download and can be found on this link.
Follow Vile Regression
COR MHONA
Corr Mhóna are a self declared Metal band from West Cork in Ireland. The band consists of Martin Farrow (guitar / vocals), Stephen Quinn, (bass / vocals), Paul Quinn (vocals) and Robert Farrow (drums). One of the few Irish Metal bands to sing in their native Gaelic tongue, Cor Mhóna have been creating an atmospheric audio backdrop of their gloom and despair tinged Metal since 2009. The band have toured in both Ireland and the U.K. with bands such as Mael Mórdha, The Wounded Kings, For Ruin, Sirocco, Old Corpse Road and Brigantia. The guys released a debut e.p. in back in 2010, entitled ‘Corrguíneacht‘ which can be heard on their Bandcamp page (see below). After a hiatus (while some band members worked abroad), Corr Mhóna started gigging again, and began writing new material. This material has since come to fruition, in the form of their debut album ‘Dair‘ which was released on October 2014.
A serious contender for going all the way in Metal 2 The Masses Ireland 2015.
Follow Cor Mhóna
BLACK SVAN
A Hard Rock / Metal band that was formed back in 2009, Black Svan can boast the achievement of touring with the likes of Fozzy and Stuck Mojo, as well as opening for Kerbdog last year. The skeleton of Black Svan includes members, Keith Caffrey (vocals), Jagger Murray (lead guitar), Mo Clifford, (rhythm guitar), Kenneth Bell, (bass), and Joey Afonso (drums). The band released their “16 Minutes” album last year which is available for download on the links below.
With a sound that incorporates elements of Metallica, Alice In Chains, Down and Thin Lizzy, Black Svan could very well be standing on stage in May for the Metal 2 The Masses Ireland final.
Follow Black Svan
Facebook / Twitter / Official Website
SAINT SLAUGHTER
Hailing from Dublin, Saint Slaughter are a four piece razor sharp Thrash outfit, that have been influencing the sale of hi-top’s and beer In the Dublin Metal scene. The band are currently recording their debut EP / Album and will be hoping to release material later this year.
Expect a high performance set of original material from these guys, who have their eyes locked firmly on the main prize of following in the footsteps of their buddies Psykosis, who won the overall Metal 2 The Masses last year.
Follow Saint Slaughter
AWAKEN DOMINION
Born in the year 2007, Awaken Dominion are a Hardcore Groove Metal band from Mullingar, Ireland. The bands four members include, vocalist Anthony O’Reilly, guitarist Darragh Mooney, drummer Shane Greville, bassist Evan Connolly.
Describing themselves originally as a “hardcore Death Metal band“, Awaken Dominion have embraced the groove of Pantera, Lam Of God and Decapitated, all the while maintaining their original sound. Check out the guys in action on the video link below and make sure to be in the pit when these guys take to the stage.
Follow Awaken Dominion
SOOTHSAYER
Coming from Cork, Ireland, Soothsayer are Liam Hughes (vocals/noise), Con Doyle (guitar/vocals), Marc O’Grady – (guitar), Steve Quinn (bass/vocals) and Will Fahey (drums). Classifying themselves as “atmospheric Metal” with definite elements of Doom laced throughout, you will not be disappointed by what these guys can do in a live enviornment.
Having supported Solstafir last October and their debut performance tomorrow night for the Metal 2 The Masses Ireland campaign, it’s looking like this year will be a defining one for Soothsayer.
Follow Soothsayer
So there you have it, Overdrive are overwhelmed by the amount of bands that came forward to take part in our search for the ultimate band to represent Ireland at this years Bloodstock Festival in the UK. Tomorrow night’s bands are all of an exceptional standard and we are very proud and honored that they will be taking part in the show.
For the punters attending, please make sure that you use your voting slip wisely as you are only entitled to one vote for the entire night and each vote makes a huge difference to the bands that are busting their ass to get to Bloodstock.
Show the love and support all the bands, especially the one’s who have traveled from all over the country to take part. At the end of the day, it’s out beloved Metal scene that we are trying to preserve and help grow and the more we support our bands and help each other, we can only get stronger.
See all you fuckers down in Fibber Magees tomorrow night! \M/
Words – Oran O’Beirne
Photography – Sourced from each of the bands Facebook pages / websites / bandcamp profiles.
OVERDRIVE – SPECIALIST IN ALBUM COVER DESIGN / LOGO DESIGN / BAND STICKERS / CUSTOM DRUM SKINS / EPK’S / PR & MEDIA SOLUTIONS FOR BANDS
