GIG REVIEW: Lock Horns with their Molon Labe album launch in Voodoo

An oppressive heat wave was sweeping Northern Ireland and even at 8.30pm the sweat was lashing off every punter out in the street, never mind inside. And tonight (28 June 18) was going to be a very heated night as metalheads gathered for the launch of Lock Horns new album “Molṑn labé“. The stage was set and it was safe to say the crowd were in for a treat.

Up first was the mighty Heel of Achilles as they filled the stage with some serious progressive metalcore that matched the heat of the evening. Kicking off the set was “Proxy” from their upcoming album, “Scarecrows” and “Spectrum”. The hardcore groove of the band and full on performance was not missed by the crowd who were very happy with what was being served up. On they went with another track of their forthcoming album “Malevolent”, then “The New 52” and rounded off the set with “Bermuda”. They played their hearts out and filled the stage with serious gusto and heavy hardcore metal. It was a great start and showed that the evening was going to be full of quality metal

Next up were the battle hardened Ketos who have worked incredibly hard so far this year in honing their sound and performance. And my goodness, it showed tonight. Fully charged and bursting with the melodic thrash metal they are getting well known for, they slammed it home from the start. Kicking off with “Full Force”, “Into the Maelstrom” and Fall in Line” they had a line of metalheads in headbanging heaven with heavy grooves, guttural growling and clean vocals, all delivering in one package unbridled smash and thrash.

Without any rest they proved they were getting tighter as a band. Every time anyone sees Ketos play they get surprised the band has once again surpassed their previous high standards. On the battling guitars, weighty riffs, scorching solos, thrashing drums, heavy growling and melodic vocals came as they finished their set with “Ascendant”, “Escape the Chains” and “Chaos Theory”. The unapologetically furious set was done and the crowd could finally rest their weary heads and well exercised necks.

Finally on came Lock Horns. Lock Horns means to ‘engage in conflict’, and boy did this band live up to that name with serious controlled aggression, heavy rolling riffage, incredible energy and full control of the stage. The Voodoo rumbled and shook to the huge weighty tunes Lock Horns were pumping up with such ferocity. This was their album launch night and they were making sure there was no doubt about that.

Heaving out immense tracks they thundered off with “Stagnant”, Quietus”, and “Molon Labe”. The crowd were absolutely loving it, and those up at the front were in complete headbanging ecstasy. “Low”, “Machines” and “Blood and Oil” kept the progressive metal carnage in full flow. This was heavy aggressive metal that just assaulted you to the ground and kept you there through its sheer weight.

The heavy grooves produce something incredibly primordial that just connects with a mood of passionate controlled aggression and concentrated creative destruction. Tight, professional and polished Lock Horns could just do absolutely nothing wrong. Even as they brought the night to a close with “Pages” and finishing with “Wendigo” the crowd were as utterly zealous of their connection as the band were. Neither side held anything back and all revelled in the shamanistic ceremony that was the Lock Horns album launch. It was a complete experience.

All three bands did not miss and hit the wall. They all nailed their sets firmly to the mast of metal and did themselves very proud indeed. It was a hot sweaty night that should not have been missed.