Uncle Acid and the Deadbeats

Tonight's show at the Scala is completely sold out, probably helped by the fact that Uncle Acid and the Deadbeats were graced with the prestigious accolade of being hand-picked to support the world's first heavy metal band Black Sabbath in 2013. The Cambridge-based classic horror film fans have done phenomenally well for an act formed only in 2009, signing to the highly lauded Rise Above Records at a time when traditional doom metal is in vogue. But the dedication to their aural craft marks them as more than the copious numbers of generic and clone bands within the genre now in existence.

Attempting to find space in the venue immediately before Uncle Acid and the Deadbeats takes the stage is an arduous task; the room is too packed with bodies and temperatures are climbing. When the four-piece take the stage, they open with 'Waiting for Blood' from this year's 'The Night Creeper', showcasing distorted guitar harmonies, a sludge-y texture and haunting psychedelic atmospheres stalk the venue, underpinned by Uncle Acid's androgynous voice contrasting sublimely with backing vocals from guitarist Yotam Rubinger. The '70s influence is audacious, murdering anything vaguely contemporary with its Hammer Horror vibe. The organ is taped as Uncle Acid cannot juggle guitar and organ but it still contributes its slick velveteen texture to the songs.

Interestingly, the focus of the night eyeballs 'The Night Creeper' and sophomore effort 'Blood Lust'. New songs 'Murder Nights', 'Pusher Man' and 'Inside' are heartily received by the attendees whereas the more rock-y prime cuts of 'Death's Door', '13 Candles' and 'I'll Cut You Down' lean towards a penchant for stoner rock. All of the band's four releases are illuminated tonight but not as prominently as the aforementioned pair. The music alternates between luscious drug-induced soundscapes and vigorous vintage rock hooks that see swathes of the audience bobbing their heads (presumably the space deficiency restricts full on headbanging). It is not hard to comprehend why the band has escalated to the levels it has in such a short span of time. The venue applauds fervently following each song's demise and the band members on stage appear relaxed as in the thraldom of an opium dream.

'Vampire Circus' from the debut album 'Volume I' sees Uncle Acid and the Deadbeats part ways with the stage. The attendees refuse to leave and their reaction secures an encore as the band returns to open their encore with what must be one of the fans' favourites from the latest album, 'Melody Lane'. This is tailed by 'Desert Ceremony' before the night is completely finished off with 'Withered Hand of Evil' bleeding bone-crunching rhythms that punctuate the set perfectly. Leaving behind a fully satiated audience, the quartet has delivered a blinding show worthy of the sold out Scala.

With album number four receiving strong reviews and a sold out London show under their belts, Uncle Acid and the Deadbeats are still on their way up in the metal sphere. With a shining reputation secured here and internationally, this band still has an abundance of life left and when they undoubtedly return to the capital, they were will be appearing at notably roomier venues and will be a spectacle that doom metal fans will have no doubt to attend.