Well tonight was very different for me, as it was the first time I have both played and reviewed at Plantation Café in one night. It is very interesting and different watching a band whom you’ve not simply met just before the gig and may know nothing about, but who you’ve sound checked with, chatted with beforehand, and maybe even played with before. What it doesn’t change is the excitement I feel when I’m about to review a sold out gig. That’s right, once again, Plantation is packed out to capacity, and its all thanks, one could argue; to Black Iris.

Suffice it to say that I won’t be reviewing my own band, so, on to Ferox!

FEROX , in a word, are heavy. Very, very heavy. Within seconds of them kicking into their first number a mosh pit has started, and it’s clear that they mean serious business. Their personal brand of Thrash influenced Metal tips its cap to the likes of Lamb of God and Pantera, but with a metalcore vocal. Strong Bass grooves, heavy metal riffing, with evil sounding solos and harsh screams; all of this fuses to form a seriously angry sounding band. Which is ironic, because they don’t look it; Soft spoken, friendly, even slightly quiet and withdrawn (in between songs, that is), you wouldn’t have any of them pegged as being in such a hardcore band. This serves as a charming quality in a way, as it prevents them from falling into the trap of ‘arrogant metalcore band’. At times, it affects their act, in that they could be a tad more lively onstage. It comes across more as nerves than laziness or boredom, but it’s noticeable, which means it perhaps should be addressed. Other than this, Ferox put on a very enjoyable show.

But the real reason our little cafe is so full to the brim is the headlining band. Returning to Plantation after an 8 month interim, fresh-faced new-metal–band-on-the-block BLACK IRIS have well and truly grown up, and tonight is a homecoming-and-a-half-for them. They have retained their roots in punk/rock-influenced melodic metal, but with the addition of new guitarist Johnny Madgwick (formerly of old school metal locals Rutt) , they have added a technical edge in their solos and riffs which, coupled with the growth of lead vocalist Jack Leatherbarrow’s voice (both in his singing and his Corey Taylor-esque roar), has given them a new energy, a lot more credibility, and a solid metal attitude, which means that tonight, they are on fire, and they know it. But the other aspect, which is just as much to their credit, is their attitude to the crowd reaction. There was a time where they would have revelled in it, perhaps getting a bit carried away… but tonight Jack and his lads are assured, but not arrogant, confident but not cocky. Jack is the consummate metal frontman, but exudes a constant gratefulness towards every single person in the crowd, which warms the heart. They send the crowd wild, mixing new songs such as Two Sides of Everything and Napalm 99 with old classics like Do You Remember? (Which they play twice, to the glee of everyone in the room), and even The Chav Song, from their days as The New Like Whateva. Of course, as ever, their language is appalling, but hey, if it wasn’t, they wouldn’t be Black Iris, now, would they?

It’s great when a gig goes off well, and especially so when the atmosphere is brought about by the presence of a roomful of friends and supporters rocking out to a popular local band. Welcome back, boys. And Ferox- see you next time.

Take Care,

Jamie Webster