Live Review: Damnation’s Hammer – Sunbird Records, Darwen
Support: Shred Dibnah, Shadow Company
Words & Photos: Neil Bolton
Lancashire three piece Shred Dibnah are the openers to tonight’s album launch gig. Now can I say I have enjoyed many a gig in my days, but never have I been confronted by a chimney in the centre of the stage. A chimney that begins to billow smoke when the music starts.
Total class.
Two flat capped musicians flank this chimney producing a sludgy, doom mix with a bass line that really packs a punch. Their sound is dirty, groovy, bluesy and very very enjoyable. The single 'Blues For a Red Traction Engine' gets an airing and is lapped up by the crowd, the same can be said for all the tunes the band provide this evening.
A broken guitar string leads to a brief funky bass and drum instrumental, keeping the heads bobbling in the Sunbird Studios venue. A riff from the repaired guitar stops the instrumental to a shout of “Fucking smashed it” from the crowd. Smashed it they did, new fans were created this evening. Mission accomplished.
A screaming vocalist mixes with a groovy metal beat is next on tonight’s bill. Shadow Company launch straight into their set with force and determination. The talents of Daisy on drums and Seamus on guitar are immediately on show, with a sound that masks their youth and create a foundation for the rest of the tunes. Bobbing heads now begin to bang as the audience enjoys the scene. A clever, enjoyable instrumental section in the track 'Saturated Mind' further goes to prove my point. A slower doomy flavour is mixed in the last track 'Cerberus' displaying this band has many strings to their bow.
This gathering though is for the long awaited release of the new Damnation's Hammer album 'Into The Silent Nebula'. This release has had many a fan drooling at the mouth and a packed excited crowd is what greets Damnations Hammer as the boys take to the stage.
The familiar tones of 'Temple of the Descending Gods' is the first track to assault Darwen with its a powerful grip. The sound is a little ropey at the outset of this set, but this is soon dealt with. We enjoy 'Gates of the Necronomicon' as do the band. We then arrive at the first new song of the evening, 'Sutter Cane'. This new track displayed the direction the band have taken, thankfully it is the direction all fans have wanted. This is a higher elevation to their already stellar proggy, dark twisted muscular sound.
Tonight’s showing of the new songs is expertly done. Tim Preston’s vocals and riffs are masterfully undertaken, with the guitar work of Ady Ferrell on show a little more in these new tunes. Gary Bevan pounds and caress the drums when needed while the bass work of Warren Wild is intoxicating to watch. Mr Wild was not involved in the recording of this new album, but bass player Jamie Fowler was, and he is present here this evening, showing his support. Support for a band who have an air of determination and professionalism around them that should carry them to higher and higher plains.
The song writing and musical craft on display here this evening is of the highest order. One of those “were you there” moments. I was.
