Report

Acid Reign Rules Over The Camden Underworld On Their "Daze Of The Week" Tour

British thrash is truly an interesting take on the genre. Sure, American and German bands had more commercial success, but there were some beloved names and cult favourites in the British Isles. As I'm sure you've guessed from the title of this article, one of the most popular names from back in the day was Acid Reign, a band as honest about their punk influences as they were their metal ones. In the 2000s, many of Britain's thrash metal veterans returned to some capacity and fans were constantly demanding that Acid Reign did the same. Eventually, singer Howard "H" Smith was able to put a new lineup together and the band returned officially in 2015. In those eleven years, they've worked their arses off, releasing a new album "The Age Of Entitlement" in 2019 and only last week, they unleashed another album, "Daze Of The Week." They've been a prominent live act since their return and finally, my wish was granted and I was able to see them for myself. So, was it worth the wait?

It was an early night in Camden, with the doors opening at six and the first band, Neuronspoiler, hitting the stage soon afterwards. They were perhaps a more traditional heavy metal band than one might have expected to see at a thrash metal show, and they would have been a perfect addition to the recent Tygers Of Pan Tang/Demon gig at the same venue. Nevertheless, they were impressive. They've been going since 2009 and have obviously honed their craft during that time, creating some really good songs such as "Hiding In Plain Sight" and "Ascend To Death," the latter of which taken from their new album, "The House Always Wins." There were a few sound issues affecting my enjoyment of their performance, but despite that, they were an exciting band which can still find a fan base with their energy and quality.

Following Neuronspoiler, it was the turn of Enquire Within. I'd seen them before when they came to Swindon for Depravation Fest, and I remembered them having a really powerful presence, so I was looking forward to seeing them again. They're definitely a heavier affair than Neuronspoiler, one which perhaps appeals to younger headbangers more, and it's good to have some variety in a lineup. Musically, they're still just as crushing as I recalled, with plenty of groovy rhythms to enjoy. The quintet also has a strong stage presence and plenty of their own fans in attendance, which I always like to see for a support band. The only problem with their performance was that once again, technical difficulties came into play, causing one of the guitars to cut out early on, and then overpowering the vocals once the sound came back. The sound doesn't always travel well in the Underworld, and I noticed that the vocals were clearer at the back of the venue than the front when I went for a slash. Nonetheless, the audience still enjoyed Enquire Within thoroughly and rightfully so.

Finally, it was time for some old school thrash and much like the country a few years ago, I think we have a new king. Acid Reign bounded on stage, H clad in some kind of Arsene Wenger-esque dressing gown, and tore into "The Who Of You," the first of seven new songs to be aired tonight. As I'd expected while listening to "Daze Of The Week," the fresh material sounded absolutely fantastic in the live setting, with the band demonstrating an incredible amount of enthusiasm and energy. H in particular has the vitality of a sixteen year old, spring around the stage before spilling water on the floor and sliding across it a la Tom Cruise in Risky Business, and I'm not just saying that because of his choice of shorts. Veteran fans who haven't checked out the new material needn't have worried about their old favourites being left out, as the likes of "Humanoia" were still present in the set list.

It always helps the crowd when they can see that the band are enjoying themselves and H's background in comedy helps to make him an even better frontman, as he connects with the fans so easily. I can't remember the last time I heard an audience laugh so much, especially at a metal gig and for once, it was because we'd been given some banter that's actually funny (we've all been in an audience where the frontman makes a little joke and people laugh a little too much.) More new songs hit our ears, with "Sorrowsworn" being a particular favourite, while "Blind Lies" and "Fantastic Passion" also went down well. I was also pleasantly surprised to hear Acid Reign's version of "Hanging On The Telephone," one of the most legitimately enjoyable covers from any thrash metal band, followed immediately by their spin on "Just Sit There" by The Crumbsuckers. All this before the show came to an end with "Motherly Love," which as H pointed out, made history for being the only thrash metal song where fans can chant "Norman!" Due to the Underworld's club night, the show was over by 9:45, but it was time well spent. I've seen some fantastic live bands this year, from Alien Weaponry to The Varukers to Nightstalker, but I can honestly say Acid Reign were the most fun I've had this year.