Live Review: Evil Scarecrow @ The Asylum, Birmingham
Review by Tim Finch
For the night is All Hallows Eve, the streets are filled with children dressed up going door to door trick or treating. This evening somewhat marks our entry into the winter months. On a back street in Birmingham a queue forms, many dressed in costume befitting the holiday festivities, ready for the revelments that’s are due to happen inside. For tonight, on this All Hallows’ Eve, Evil Scarecrow will be performing at “The Asylum”.
As the old industrial unit fills up, local band Born Zero take to the stage. The youngsters performed valiantly during the Metal 2 The Masses competition earlier this year and have really made a name for themselves. From the off their brash riffs hit you hard. Groove infused goodness that stands up to other acts of a similar ilk. Levi’s vocal performances is commanding, prowling the stage like a madman as Thomas does his best to whip the crowd into a frenzy playing bass from the barrier. It’s an assured performance and they show much growth since last our paths crossed. These guys are the future of the heavy metal scene.
Hopefully many a keen metal head are now familiar with Eyes of the Raven following an outstanding performance at Bloodstock earlier this year. The #beermetal barbarians are here to spread their message and have some fun in the process. Frontman Dave is a dominating figure, he feeds off the energy in the crowd to produce a performance with real feeling as they launch into ‘Lessons In Blasphemy’. The theme of their set is always beer and tonight is no different, never far from a can of Stella as they storm through the set. Craig’s throbbing bass, Phil’s drums, along side the dual guitars of Ross and Luke produce what can only be described as pure rock fury. Heavy metal delivery with guts, passion and most of all booze, all finished off with the classic ‘Crown of Serpents’.
When looking for a band to headline a Halloween show, Evil Scarecrow will always be on your shortlist. Their performances, with cosplay and theatrics lend themselves perfect for such an occasion.
The room is already dimly lit as lights drop further in anticipation of the headliners arrival. An eerie horror movie inspired intro makes way for light hearted dancing on stage as the band take their places. This is going to be more fun than anyone possibly imagined.
The set list is much the same as you’d expect from Evil Scarecrow, but it’s this staple of the Scarecrow show that draws the fans in. The only early difference than what you would normally expect is the addition of 'The Magician', a rarely played live song and a treat for us all this Halloween.
We are then treated to a very much extended Robototron tonight, the whole room dances along, arms waving in synchronisation. The set broken up by the softer, less frenetic ‘Ballard of Brother Pain’ before the fun kicks off again through ‘Dance of the Cyclops’ and of course ‘Crabulon’. Whatever you think of the Scarecrow, live you can never fail to walk away with a big smile on your face.
Photo credit: Tim Finch Photography
