Live review: Exit Ten in Southend, UK

Exit Ten are a metal band hailing from Reading in the UK. They are progressive metal and they are here to make a name from themselves. To some degree they have already done that. Someone people saying they are the best unsigned band around. They are much like Gallows, Enter Shaikari and In Case Of Fire, and maybe that is part of why I didn’t enjoy this gig so much as the past few I’ve attended.

Support act: Oceans Upon Us

Oceans Upon Us (formally Lest We Forget (click for EP review)) played support for Exit Ten which got them some great attention. People were there in Oceans Upon Us shirts and right at the front of the stage showing them love. They have come a long way to the not so known band I review last year. It was great to see them on form and playing new material which might I add is outstanding. They are heading into the studios soon to get some of that new stuff made physical, I know a lot of Oceans fans who are excited about that, and I’m one of them. Solid act by the boys.

Support act: Forever Never

Forever Never. One of those bands I’d heard of but never checked out. Before the gig if you asked me what I knew about them I would say, they are metal, and have a cool name. Now the gig has passed I can confirm not only do they have a cool name, they have an outstanding sound. They are brutal and yet outstanding fun at the same time. One of those bands you can really get into. Brilliant show with lots of energy and the mosh pits really got the crowd pumping. Defiantly a band I’d recommend for metal fans and those who like a good live show.

Exit Ten

Okay, so I’ve read the hype and now I’ve seen the hype, I must admit the crowd was defiantly going mental for them and the music was solid riffs and an unforgiving rhythm with powerful and interesting vocals. I think the only reason I didn’t really connect to it was it felt a bit mainstream, especially for an unsigned band. I’m sure lots of people will argue otherwise, but personally I didn’t feel there was anything particually unique about this band, there was nothing I found in their music that I couldn’t have found in any other artist.

What I will give the band is that they do have some great songs, brilliant lyrics, and they are all clearly talented people. I definately can’t knock the lead singer, he had an outstanding voice. If this band can really find their own unique sound they could really go far.

Verdict:A great atmosphere, a bit on the wild side but that’s how we like it, and three bands who are really worth seeing. What more can I ask for at the end of the day?

Nick