The streets of London are buzzing with the vitality of Halloween celebrations but tonight at the Underworld, there is a treat in store for thrash metal loversof the '80s in the form of Northern Ireland's Gama Bomb here to exhibit their new album 'Untouchable Glory'.
Compounding the UK thrash theme is Hull's Re-Animator, formed in 1988 and breaking up in 1992 after three full-lengths, only to reactivate for a second wind in 2013. The four-piece straddle the stage shredding riffs not too dissimilar to early Metallica hymns although where on record, vocalist and guitarist Kev Ingleson uncannily resembles James Hetfield, his shouts now have aged and sounds somewhat more amateur than their recorded renditions. The music is insipid, bearing no masterful musicianship or memorable riffs to supply a decent soundtrack to just simply drunkenly headbang to for the sake of it. Enthusiasm surfaces in the front row of the audience but the remainder of the punters appear blasé and the horde thins as the set limps on.
Conversely as the crowd numbers swell, headliners Gama Bomb explode on stage armed with new track 'Ninja Untouchables (Untouchable Glory)' with vocalist Philly Bryne sporting cat ears (quickly removed for improved headbanging, presumably) and matching face paint for the Halloween mood. As with most shows from these Northern Irish lads, the mood is blink-and-you'll-miss-it, helped by the feverish presence of the band gracing the compact Underworld stage. The brevity of the songs formulates a succession of aural fists to the face with swift tempos and rushed riffs (what more would one expect from a band with the album title 'Survival of the Fastest'?). Vaulting through the likes of 'Hammer Slammer' (briefly assisted on vocals by two members of modern heavy metal act Amulet), 'Evil Voices', 'OCP', 'Zombie Blood Nightmare' and 'Mussolini Mosh' are strenuous choices that enrapture the venue instantly - catchy modern thrash metal anthems seasoned with Byrne's signature vocals, admittedly with slightly fewer throat-shredding shrieks than on record.
As this is the listening party of album number five 'Untouchable Glory', naturally this release receives a dramatic airing with songs making the cut including 'Raging Skies', 'James Joints' and 'Ride the Night', faithful to the band's previous creations with Exodus-like energy levels of hyperactivity that coerce the venue into a moshing thrash dance. The sound is far from perfect in the venue but the tenacity of the musicians on stage to expulse a restless performance while having fun is wholly entertaining and appreciated. 'We Respect You' seemingly finalises the set but after leaving, Gama Bomb return to a storm of applause and serve up thrash attack 'Bullet Belt' followed by 'Hell Trucker' drawing the night to an end and leaving the fans thoroughly satisfied.
On a night as cartoon-y as Halloween, Gama Bomb in London are a fitting appetiser for the rest of the city's festivities lying in wait for the revellers. Attaining their escalation to the international metal platform via the thrash metal revival a few years back now, it is fantastic to see these Northern Irish lads still steadfastly maintaining their youthful and infectious enthusiasm.
FUTURE GIGS
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