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N.E.W. Metal Productions All Dayer – Nov 2025

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N.E.W. Metal Productions All Dayer

22nd November 2025

Mcleans Pub, Pentre, Deeside North Wales

Saturday night, and I was off to another Leo Sayer (that’s an All Dayer) at Mcleans Pub In Pentre, Deeside. North East Wales Metal Productions have been getting pretty regular hosting these events recently, and I didn’t want to miss this one. Seven bands of the Rock/Metal variety were on the bill, only one had played this venue before, so things were looking promising.

I wanted to get to Mcleans from the start to see the first band, Onion Mash. Intrigued by the name, I wasn’t sure if they were a comedy band or experimental nutters. They were neither. Onion Mash were a very capable Hard Rock five piece, and not silly at all! Solid musicianship and excellent female vocals provided a thoroughly enjoyable set. Onion Mash seemed a little concerned they weren’t “Heavy” enough – no need to worry, they added further variety to a stacked bill.

Onion Mash

Another somewhat different band name was on the stage next: Napierdalać. That may be Polish, it certainly stands out and is very cool. As a band described as “Symphonic, Blackened Death Metal” these guys shouldn’t have been able to set my church on fire, but I actually really enjoyed them. More old school Venom than I’d anticipated, Napierdalać played an outstanding set with their cheeky, confident stage presence and quality playing. Thoroughly evil and thoroughly good at the same time.

Napierdalać

Rattlesnakes are a young band with their feet firmly in the traditional metal of Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, Saxon and the like. Their early 80s sound was phenomenal, every note, every chord, every crash of the drums was perfect and played with an obvious joy and real talent. Then you have the voice: female vocals again this evening, and OH MY GOD this woman has the skills beyond skills! A sneaky Dio cover was irrefutable proof. Rattlesnakes live were an event – everyone loved them and if they don’t go far, this world is a disgrace.

Rattlesnakes

I’m hit and miss with Metalcore, but if Gnawing Hunger are a Metalcore band, then I’m a convert. These brawlers from Brum have enough classic metal riffs to get the blood flowing, melded to tight rhythms and a Hardcore intensity. With a new drummer and guitarist in place, they were all the same pretty damn tight. Ferocious fun, but sadly the crowd was too thin for a mosh pit! Hopefully Gnawing Hunger will return.

Gnawing Hunger

The only band on the bill that I was familiar with was Omega Throne, who played Pentre Fest in 2024. Very impressive previously, I thought I knew what t o expect from this band, but Omega Throne have developed nicely since then. Still brutal and uncompromising, they’ve developed some groove along with their Thrash/Death/Black Metal and are all the better for it – there are even more textures to their lethal sound. Performed with clear emotion and conviction, this set was unmissable.

Omega Throne

The Machinist are well loved by Ever Metal (Dark Juan, take a bow) but they were a new listen for yours truly. I was looking forward to hearing what all the fuss was about, and these guys pretty much ambushed me and kicked my ribs in. Black/Death Metal dragged through a filthy factory of Industrial tension, The Machinist are a law unto themselves. There’s even glimpses of melody amongst the dense noise. I think they threatened to physically harm me if this review wasn’t positive, but no worries there: honestly, a tour de force set.

The Machinist

The initial surprise I had at first sight of the final act, Foul Body Autopsy, didn’t last long. As the headliner, I wasn’t expecting a one man show – but this was far from Extreme Metal karaoke. The guy has serious chops! Perfectly in sync with backing tracks, the lead guitar was ridiculously technical – but more importantly, Foul Body Autopsy has RIFFS! Riff after stinking, fat, nasty riff, to be precise. An illuminating and impressive one man show, Foul Body Autopsy brought the evening to a triumphant end.

Foul Body Autopsy

And that’s it for November at Mcleans. but I’ll be back soon for more. And if you can get there, please do: N.E.W. Metal Productions work really hard to put these gigs on, and bands travel from all over the country – so if you can support them, please do. Ten quid for seven bands of this variety and quality? You’d be crazy not to.

Halloween Horror Fest of Frankenstein

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Groovy title, eh?  I know “Son of Halloween Horror Fest” would’ve made more sense, but I’ve used that title already.  I could’ve gone with “Son of Halloween Horror Fest 2025”, but that’s boring.  So we are where we are.  Here are the reviews…

Son of Frankenstein (1939)

Classic Universal horror, and what a cast!  Following on from Bride of Frankenstein, in this story the studio attempt to spin the franchise out with another sequel.

Wolf von Frankenstein (Basil Rathbone), son of the legendary baron and obsessed scientist, returns with his family to their ancestral home after years in exile.  The locals give them a somewhat frosty reception, as the memory of the carnage wrought by the elder Frankenstein’s creature (Boris Karloff) still haunts them.

Wolf is concerned with saving the family reputation, but when he stumbles across Ygor (Bela Lugosi), a revenge crazed outcast, things can only go downhill.  Old Ygor knows where the creature is, and despite clashing objectives, he and Wolf will attempt to revive the creature again…

Although the narrative is becoming very obvious by this point in the series, this sequel is watchable for many reasons.  It looks fantastic in black and white, the shadowy sets full of secrets and menace.  And the cast are superb, though Karloff’s creature is outshone by Lugosi in a very memorable roll.

Not a patch on it’s predecessor, Son of Frankenstein is still a thoroughly enjoyable old school horror yarn.

8.5/10

Casper (1995)

More family friendly fun now, but this film really is a stinker.  Based on the old comic strip about a friendly ghost and his three horrible uncles, it starts off as well intentioned before going off the tracks.

An obnoxious, rich brat has been left a rundown, haunted mansion in her father’s will.  It’s the haunted mansion occupied by Casper and chums, obvs.  A “paranormal therapist” played by Bill Pullman is eventually tasked with sorting out the spooks, so that the vile new owner can claim some lost treasure that’s apparently hidden away there.

Bill brings along his daughter Kat, played by Christina Ricci.  Both of them have unaddressed issues following the death of Kat’s mother.  Casper has a crush on Kat (of course) and hilarity ensues (not) as they try to tame the spooks, and other stuff.

The CGI animated Casper looks really cute, and there are some amusing moments occasionally (Eric Idle, in a supporting role, is great).  But the tone is ruined by some truly ghastly additions like a machine that brings spirits back to life, and a completely unnecessary back story for Casper.

The attitude to death in this film is just plain weird, and distasteful.  Don’t worry kids, people die and become ghosts, then become people again!  This mash up of cutesy characters and flippant attitude is both odd and disrespectful.

3/10

North West Doom Fest – Part 2

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North West Doom Fest 

4th – 5th April 2025 

The Saddle, Chester 

Saturday 5th April 

Following a blinder of an evening’s entertainment for Day the First of North West Doom Fest, I was rested and ready to go for Saturday.  Beginning at an earlier time in the afternoon, I unfortunately missed the first band of the bill, Hand of Omega, who played while I was still travelling into town.  Sincere apolgies for this to all, I must catch them again sometime. 

Arriving at the Saddle, the festivities were well and truly underway already.  A decent sized crowd were in attendance in the rear courtyard, cradling beers and nursing themselves back to full health.  There was no downer atmos that I could discern at all  however, everyone seemed amped for the music ahead. 

Moss Valley were the first band of the day that I actually got to see, and they were pretty damn good.  This three piece straddled a retro seventies vibe with added desert rock Kyuss stylings.  Great riffs and warm female vocals adding to the melodies, Moss Valley really made a huge impression.  It’s tough to pick favourites at an event like this, but MV were definitely contenders. 

https://www.facebook.com/mossvalleyband/

Up next we had a visit from the Pagan lords of the north, Sabbat Wolf.  This Leeds based band featured exemplary musicianship, again with a commanding female vocalist.  What I enjoyed here were the Sabbath worshipping riffs augmented by beautifully tuneful, mellow passages that reminded me of Pink Floyd.  Sabbat Wolf really stood out with these psychedelic flourishes and their unashamed occult theme – their song ‘Pagan Bloody Pagan’ tells you all you need to know! 

https://www.facebook.com/sabbatwolf/

Warpstormer had travelled up from Londonium to the ancient, walled city of Chester. These guys mix full throttle Metal with their Doom, think Orange Goblin rocking out at their trippiest.  It’s a Stoner Metal attack that could have been related somewhere to Entombed or Motorhead, but had enough power and groove to fit in perfectly at this gig. Warpstomer were real crowd pleasers and also really nice guys. 

https://www.facebook.com/Warpstormer/

Get your flat caps on and forget your fear of heights, it’s time for Shred Dibnah!  The world’s premier Steeple Jack Rock band graced the stage of NW Doom Fest, amid clouds of smoke and a pummelling performance.  With a portable chimney on stage belching out clouds, Shred Dibnah demolished the audience with roaming riffs and contrasting mellow sections that added to the hypnotic drill. 

https://www.facebook.com/shreddibnah/?locale=en_GB

Borehead were the next band of the day, and again a different take on the Doom template.  In contrast to other bands, these Londoners were largely instrumental – except for some weird and wonderful samples – with slow, fuzzy riffs more spaced out than Buck Rogers on a Venusian hookah pipe.  Cerebral stuff that you’d assume would be better appreciated on headphones with some refreshment, but it went over very well. 

https://www.facebook.com/boreheadofficial/

I was already familiar with the mighty Deathfiend – I caught them live a while back, and was happily smashed to pieces with their ferocious onslaught.  With elements of Death Metal and even Hardcore Punk in the Deathfiend sound, I wasn’t sure if they’d be too damn nasty for this festival, but they slotted right in neatly.  Outrageously heavy Doom riffs delivered with a fiery intensity, this band are a force to be reckoned with. 

https://www.facebook.com/DeathFiend1/?locale=en_GB

You know how sometimes you see a band that looks so cool, you want to join up?  Kill The Witch were that band at NW Doom Fest.  These guys meld together the Sludgiest of Stoner and Doom Metal, traversing varying tempos and styles but always remaining true to The Riff.  Roaring vocals top off a faster, more furious Sabbath sound that’s not without its clever invention and serpent-like surprises, throwing in some brutal hardcore along the way. 

https://www.facebook.com/killthewitchband/

Finishing off NW Doom Fest 2025 were the mighty Amon Acid. Another Yorkshire based band, their distorted Doom Metal was part Electric Wizard style occult Metal, with hypnotic, psychedelic passages added for kicks.  Yet again a different take on Doom with Hawkwind Space Rock and amazing Middle Eastern sounding passages seeping through the acid drenched fuzzy guitar, Amon Acid were a thoroughly entertaining musical experience, finishing the event in style. 

https://www.facebook.com/amonacidband/?locale=en_GB

And that, kids, was your lot.  Everything was wrapped up in a timely fashion so that the punters could make buses and trains home, all of us with beaming, happy faces – gorged on the joy of The Riff.  North West Doom Fest was a resounding success and I have to say I enjoyed every band I saw.  All of them had their own unique identities, whichever winding track they took from the original concept of Doom.  Cool venue, too.  Now I feel really stupid for not going last year.            

https://www.facebook.com/Thesaddleinnchester/?locale=en_GB

North West Doom Fest – Part 1

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North West Doom Fest 

4th – 5th April 2025 

The Saddle, Chester 

Friday 4th April 

Friday 4th April 

The Saddle is the number one – and surely only – Rock based pub in the City of Chester.  A town more famed for drunken shenanigans and expensive outfits for the Races, this is the playground of the Cheshire Set and the wannabes.  A home of Metal it is not.  Not usually, anyway – except for the welcoming haven of The Saddle. 

And for one weekend in April, the tiny G21 venue at the back of the pub hosted the second North West Doom Fest: two days of the heaviest, doomiest metal in the land.  Absolutely fan-fucking-tabulous! 

The evening began with Druid’s Cross, from not far away at all Liverpool.  I’ve seen this band before, and knew they would be ideal to commence the festivities.  Harsh vocals lead relentless, dynamic riffs with a traditional metal feel as well as a slow, doomy pace.  There’s a dark, gothic edge to the music as well, resulting in a compelling sound that grabbed everyone’s attention from the start.. 

https://www.facebook.com/druidscrossband/?locale=en_GB

Festival organisers Lorraine and Mark were up next, with their amazing three-piece band, Warlockhunt.  I’d also seen this band before, and I’m always amazed by the complexity of their dual bass and tribal drums sound.  The other worldly female vocals have led to this band being described as Doom Pop (I coined that phrase, actually, thank you very much) and it’s easy to see why.  Always different and always captivating. 

https://www.facebook.com/warlockhunt/

Grim skeletal figures flanking the stage, inverted crosses and a duo wearing dark cloaks: Tumanduumband aren’t exactly shy of revelling in their ominous personas.  What they are, is a West Midlands based Satanic Doom band, and their music is both atmospheric and heavy as hell itself.  Fuzzed out, crushing riffs mean that the visuals aren’t inappropriate – this band is growing a cult based on their own dark riff-tuals. 

https://www.facebook.com/tumanduumband/

Headlining tonight, and admittedly one of my favourite bands out there these days, the mighty Son of Boar rightfully took their place at the top of the bill.  I became a big fan after seeing them play Pentre Fest some years ago.  Bass wrangler Gaz is also an Ever Metal scribe, not that I’m biased at all, honest!  Son of Boar played a set that was tight and forceful, with ear-worm riffs and thundering rhythms.  Tusks up!  The boys brought the HEH-VEEE, then slept the night on the floor of the venue, ‘cos they rock that hard.      

https://www.facebook.com/SonOBoar/

That’s it for Day One. Stay tuned for Day 2 – which will follow very soon!

The Saddle is on Facebook.

Pentre Fest 2025

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Pentre Fest 2025

Mclean’s Pub, Pentre, Deeside

Friday 21st & Saturday 22nd February 2025

Here we go with another Pentre Fest, the absolute highlight of my musical calendar! This is the crowning glory of North East Wales Metal Productions‘ festivals – and a huge deal to both the bands and the fans. I couldn’t wait to get to Mclean’s in Deeside and enjoy the music!

This year, another stellar line-up of bands from both near and far, with a good spread of genres. Ever Metal was in full force, with Beth and Mare joining myself for the festivities. With all of us in attendance, we split reporting duties to cover as much as possible as easily as we could.

And so, here are the reviews I composed all by my lonesome, concentrating on musicians that I wanted to contribute to (rather than all of them).

If you want to read the full review, try this here link to Ever Metal.

Friday 

Mother Thunder 

I saw Mother Thunder play in Pentre a few months back, they were superb.  This time around, they were even better.  MT play a hard hitting, groove laden take on classic rock/metal – think Thin Lizzy twin guitars with a bit of Maiden chug – and sublime female vocals.  Heavy rock with irresistible riffs, Mother Thunder lit up the room and could’ve (should’ve) been higher up the bill.  

Apollyon Rising 

Filling in last minute, Apollyon Rising were a man down as their bass player was on holiday in Morocco.  The selfish git.  But with a bit of soundboard wizardry, the remainder of the band confidently gave us a set of prime thrash metal that didn’t shame their reputation one iota.  I knew they could pull it off.  As a wise man once said, never doubt a band with a killer logo (and the talent to match). 

Saturday 

DXRK Winter 

Thankfully, I managed to catch the latter half of DXRK Winter’s set and I glad I did.  They were on first on the main stage in the afternoon, their brutal metal attack was brilliantly performed and went down really well with a crowd that could’ve been chilling, but didn’t.  A worthy act to play higher up the bill. 

Cry for Mercy 

You can’t go wrong with the blues based classic rock swagger of Cry for Mercy.  Great tunes, all built around the majesty of the riff and a persuasive groove.  I loved every second, it’s a shame they were on so early.  Never miss a chance to see Cry For Mercy if you get it.  Their new songs were just as good as old, new album is out soon! 

Victim of Damp 

Frank Williams, aka Victim of Damp, is becoming a popular mainstay of Pentre gigs.  His bipolar set comprises one half of mellow, hangover curing melody followed by a series of playful, Pythonesque parodies.  And he gets more confident every time. 

Bad Earth 

It just wouldn’t be Pentre Fest without these guys!  Bad Earth delivered a reliably ferocious set of raucous biker rock and despite sound hiccups on the first couple of songs, soldiered on admirably.  This was take-no-prisoners rock’n’roll to make Lemmy proud.  Their acoustic set was also a blinder, cooking up some awesome sing-a-long responses from the crowd outside. 

Mike West & the Missing Links 

It’s been a good few years since I saw Mike West play a solo acoustic show at Pentre.  Mike’s brand of dark country and bluegrass is now augmented by a band of drums and fiddle, adding a certain folky, Levellers feel to the tracks.  A brilliant diversion under the surprisingly blue skies of the late afternoon, this set was further proof that a metal festival can experiment with genres. 

The Raging Mables 

Now I was really looking forward to seeing this band.  I’d enjoyed viewing their Pentre Fest pre-event interview with Beany, plus they have one of the best band names ever.  No arguments.  The Raging Mables were like the Ramones playing ZZ Top, a 200mph Zeke-like melodic explosion of punk’n’roll.  One of the most perfect bands ever.  

Toranaga 

Back to some welcome thrash metal, it was indeed a huge bonus to get to witness the power of Toranaga at Pentre.  These guys are exceptional musicians, their shredding guitars creating a sound akin to classic Bay Area Thrash from the likes of Exodus and Testament.  And that is very, very good.  Their cover of ‘Mad House’ by Anthrax warmed my ancient heart, too.    

Stuntface 

Stuntface hail from just up the road in Wrexham, and it was great to see them finally bring their brand of flat-out, relentless hardcore punk to Pentre Fest.  Their songs are furious yet melodic, played super-fast and with a huge grin on bass player/vocalist Wayne’s face.  An absolute treat – Stuntface must play here again! 

What a blast that was! The guys at NEW Metal Productions always put on a heck of a show and this was no exception. Didn’t get tickets for the Black Sabbath gig this summer? Get yourselves out there and support underground metal, you’ll feel better.

My favourite Pentre Fest so far? Only time will tell…

N.E.W. Metal Productions Alldayer

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N.E.W. Metal Productions Alldayer  

McLean’s Pub, Pentre, Deeside 

08/06/2024 

Live review by Alun Jones 

Photos by Rachel Sian Photography 

Following in the wake of Pentre Fest earlier this year, McLean’s Pub in Pentre, Deeside North Wales was again the home of a bunch of raging metal/rock bands for a day. The good chaps at North East Wales Metal Productions held one of their fantastic alldayers, featuring several bands from all over, gracing up with their magnificent music. 

Sadly, a couple of bands couldn’t make it on the day. I was gutted that Master Charger dropped out (great band), and also The Human Condition have sadly decided to call it a day. But never mind, we soldier on, and there was plenty of music still to enjoy. 

Kicking things off in good style was Victim of Damp, aka Frank – a long-time supporter at NEW Metal Prods events. VOD opened with some lovely Pink Floyd acoustic guitar, before launching into a rousing set consisting of amusing anecdotes, shots of booze for the crowd, and sing-a-long humour. And yes, Bean’s car is still full of shit. 

Check out Victim of Damp on Facebook.

Any Given Reason were on stage next, a six headed monster of a band with two (two! Count ’em!) vocalists. Neither vocalist stayed on stage for long, preferring to take their brand of in your face metalcore right out into the audience. Great musicians too, giving us prime chunky riffs with dynamic skills. One to watch for, AGR are very entertaining with a super confident delivery all round. 

Any Given Reason on Facebook.

All the way from Belfast, Northern Ireland, to good ol’ Deeside were Nomadus – on the last date of their tour before returning home. If they were tired, it didn’t show at all – these guys are a devastating live band that left us all exhausted. A powerful combination of groove and thrash metal, with songs that are mature and progressive, make sure you see Nomadus live whenever you can. 

Nomadus on Facebook.

Surprise of the day was Crisis, who I was embarrassingly oblivious of. I was tipped off that Crisis were a NWOBHM band, which was true but doesn’t explain enough. The bands playing was razor sharp, and the songs varied from aggressive rockers to more epic, expansive numbers. This ability to let the songs breathe and grow, explore ideas and still remain in musical control set Crisis apart. If Iron Maiden were a Rush covers band, they would be Crisis.  

Crisis on Facebook.

There’s been a bit of a buzz about Warlockhunt recently, so I was very happy to finally get to see them. This band are unlike anything else: a three-piece consisting of two bass players (one singing) and drums. It’s the gloomiest of treacly doom metal decorated with beautiful, ethereal female vocals, like a dark fairy tale that may not end happy ever after. Doom pop, anyone? It’s enthralling stuff: I loved it and you need to check them out asap. 

Warlockhunt on Facebook.

Finally, our headliners for tonight, the mighty Scarfoot were back, and justly bumped to top of the bill. These guys were not fazed at all, powering through another set of intense stoner rock with a hint of grunge (at least to my ears!). The electric steel and 12 string guitars lend Scarfoot a characteristic edge, but the whole band pounding away is like Godzilla knocking at the front door. As well as being joyously heavy, Scarfoot’s songs are also epic and engrossing. Scarfoot did a superb job and closed the evening with conviction. 

Scarfoot on Facebook.

Variety was the secret spice for tonight’s event at McLean’s. Each band offered something unique and each played their hearts out. A thoroughly enjoyable event, thanks to all involved. If you couldn’t make it, readers – please try next time: nights like this need your support. 

N.E.W. Metal Productions on Facebook.

This review presented to you by Platinum Al and Ever Metal.

Pentre Fest 2024

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Pentre Fest 2024

McLean’s Pub, Pentre, Deeside

Friday 23rd & Saturday 24th February 2024

Pentre Fest is a big deal to me.  And I’ll bet it means a lot to plenty of other people too, who are just as keen to enjoy this festival of underground – but not unloved – metal bands.  I look forward to this event every year.  I mean, after the Christmas festivities, how else are you gonna survive the misery of January? 

Yours truly was the lone representative for Ever Metal at Pentre this year, so all the reviews were my responsibility.  I tried to see as many acts as I could, but it wasn’t always possible.  And so I can cover as much ground as poss, the summaries will be short and sweet this year.  But trust me, I’ll keep you on the straight and narrow.

The festival began on Friday evening, Edd Case and his acoustic set on the new outdoor Keymo stage being my introduction.  It’s a proper stage this year, with steps and everything.  Edd played a great set of acoustic tracks, including some Maiden, Neil Young (nice Soundgarden segue/tribute) and plenty more.  Most impressive.

Heading inside, Omega Throne was on next.  Their set was an exciting blend of Death/Black Metal, with some intriguingly dark, gothic elements peppered through the songs.  A great set that combined power and fury with a little mystique. 

That was followed by the lunatic genius of Mad Spanner.  Now a one-man band of crazed thrash metal with a backing track, Mike aka Mad Spanner offers brilliant musicianship, wry humour and furious energy.  I’m still recovering from this set, God know how he does it.

Back inside and Bloodmores were up next.  This was a great set of pounding, heavy Thrash/Death metal, excellently played and with a surprising amount of foot stomping groove.

Tonight’s original headliners, I Saw The World Burn, were sadly unable to play.  We sincerely hope all is well in that camp.  At the final hour, however, Cadence Noir were able to fill the headline spot with their gothic tinged folk punk’n’roll.  Cadence can always be counted on to get everyone jumping and jigging around, and they did a fine job of finishing Day the First of Pentre Fest.  

Saturday’s wake-up call was DAM.G, alias Rob from Thrashatouille’s “grown up band” (not my observation, but one overheard on the day!).  A melting pot of progressive metal with Rob’s growl augmented by phenomenal female co-lead vocals, it was certainly a powerful and memorable set.

Outside was a pleasant surprise: the disco funk of Mrs Gizlo.  Who’d have expected that?  Not me, but it was great fun to hear something different and it certainly got the crowd moving. 

In Which It Burns took to the indoor stage next, and gave as a relentless set of thrash metal.  It was only mid-afternoon and these Pembrokeshire ragers delivered the goods with super-fast, aggressive tracks.  Nice work.

Liverpool’s Ogun were on the main stage next, with some meaty thrash metal of their own.  Fast and brutal, I really enjoyed these guys and their total take-no-prisoners approach.  Wish I’d bought a t-shirt. 

It was freezing outside, so deep apologies from me to the various artists I missed outside, whilst huddled inside with a pint.  North Wales Deathcore deviants Dystopian Sun kept the fires burning with some intense yet bouncy metal that roared by like a Sasquatch driving a stolen pick-up truck.

Rule of Six had an early start on Saturday morning.  Whilst most of us were still hiding from encroaching hangovers, these lads set off at 4am to get from Northern Ireland to North East Wales for this gig.  I’ve never seen so many guitars on stage (four plus a bass!) but all Rule of Six’s instruments were well employed, with their melodic metal proving an uplifting and thrilling experience.  Maiden comparisons are a bit obvious, but apt.  Great show and nice contrast to much of the bands so far.

From one band who crowded out the main stage, to another band who spent little time on it: Broken Jaw refused to be restrained and preferred to wander around the room!  Their blend of punk energy and attitude with metal riffery made sure no-one in the audience was allowed to put their feet up.

Afterward, I dared to make a rare venture outside to witness Skinflick, who I’d heard very good things about.  This two-piece outfit gave us some filthy Industrial EDM dripping with sleazy beats – another very cool divergence from the expected.

Beyond Salvation made their way to Pentre from Manchester, and pretty much laid waste to all with a blistering set of thrash metal.  The band were both brutal and energetic, with superb playing, that kept the gig going on full steam.  There was no chance for the audience to flag here!

I’m actually gutted that I missed SOOTO out on the Keymo Stage.  Blame the cold, blame the drink, blame me for being useless: I should’ve been there, sorry.  Can we get SOOTO back please?  I promise I’ll pay attention this time.

Every year at Pentre Fest, there’s at least one band that I go full-on Fan Boy for.  This year’s recipients of the accolade were the amazing Struck/Down, who played huge sounding groove metal riffs that immediately had me hooked like a fish.  For me, Struck/Down were the best band of the weekend by a distance.  T-shirt purchase?  Tick.  CD purchase?  Tick.

Finally, our last band of a fantastic event were Extreme Metal leviathans Krysthla.  The foot was down on the pedal as Krysthla hurtled us through the last set of the weekend with a rapid fire, unrelenting batch of songs.

And that was it, Pentre Fest was over for another year.  I’ve been downhearted ever since, missing the camaraderie and fell-good vibes of the event – not to mention the out of this world music.  Thanks and huge respect to Fozzy and Beany, North East Wales Metal Productions, McClean’s, and all the bands and crew who made this happen.

I wish it could be Pentre Fest every day.    

Catch up with news at the following pages: N.E.W. Metal Productions, Goodfor Audio, McLeans Pentre.

This review is brought to you by Platinum Al in association with Ever Metal.   

The Fall of the House of Halloween Horror Fest

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Brides of Dracula (1960)

Our first Hammer Films production for Halloween Horror Fest 2023, and it’s a vampire classic. In this sequel to Hammer’s very successful Dracula, the titular Count doesn’t actually appear this time round – rather we’re thrust into the thick of vampire cults that still exist after Drac’s demise.

A young teacher, Marianne (Yvonne Monlaur) is on her way to her new position in a Transylvanian school when she finds herself abandoned in a small village. A local noble woman, Baroness Meinster, offers a place to stay for the night at her castle. There, Marianne meets the son of the Baroness, who is chained up as a prisoner. Marianne agrees to free the Baron, who is of course actually a vampire and takes his revenge on his mother.

Marianne flees, her memory hazy, and is helped by Doctor Van Helsing (Peter Cushing) when he finds her at the side of road. Van Helsing has been called to the area to investigate an outbreak of vampirism. Soon he, and Marianne, will encounter the Baron and his undead minions again…

Brides of Dracula is a fun escapade with plenty of chills and atmosphere, even with a substitute head vampire replacing Christopher Lee. The story is original but plays on all the standard folklore you’d expect, with Cushing fantastic in his role as the vampire slayer. It’s a nice effort from Hammer, to try and do something slighlty different with a sequel, and Peter Cushing keeps it all together brilliantly.

9/10

House of Usher (1960)

Purely by chance, another film from the same year. This version of the Edgar Allen Poe story, The Fall of the House of Usher, was the first in a series helmed by famed Director Roger Corman, most of which starred the legendary Vincent Price.

Philip Winthrop (Mark Damon) travels top meet his fiancée Madeline Usher (Myrna Fahey) at her home. The House of Usher is a gloomy, decrepit mansion and upon arrival, Madeline’s brother, Roderick (Price) initially refuses Winthrop and attempts to warn him away. The family Usher is cursed, he claims, and the line cannot be allowed to continue. Winthrop must help Madeline escape, he thinks – but is he too late?

It’s a long time since I read Poe’s original story, so I’ll let others decide how accurate an adaptation this is! Rather than worrying about that, simply revel in the wonderful sets and imagery, and allow Vincent Price to shine in this brilliant movie. House of Usher is a fantastically macabre Gothic tale with Corman and Price at their best.

8.5/10

The Best of 2022

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Happy New Year! And here we go, full throttle into 2023!

2022 was not an easy year for your old pal, Platinum Al. But the Virtual Hot Tub soldiered on regardless, never giving up despite the odds. NEVER SAY DIE. And in the end, the year 2022 was a successful one for this blog, with site views up approx. 2% on the year before.

Not a massive improvement, I’ll grant you – but I’ll take all the good news I can get. I certainly didn’t expect to finish the year with those stats, just the opposite.

So what were the most successful blog posts on the Virtual Hot tub in 2022? What articles brought in the hordes of avid readers? What did YOU want to read?

Here’s the traditional review of the Top 10 blog posts by number of views. In reverse order, countdown style, of course…

10. Hawarden Classic Car Show

Events started to return in 2022, and this local classic car show was a great example of the fun to be had as restrictions were lifted. Some nice pics.

9. New Skateboard 2022 – Death Benson

I like to chronicle my skateboards (or at least just the deck) for posterity, and just for myself. Despite my doubts, this rad set up made the Top 10.

8. Pentre Fest 2022

My beloved Pentre Fest was BACK in 22, with two more days of metal bands at high volume. Not long till the 2023 event!

7. Liverpool Comic Con 2022

A family trip out to Liverpool for a great con and a load of cosplay photos.

6. Scars of Halloween Horror Fest

My annual horror movie fest provided this blog, which was by far the most popular this year as it featured a Hammer classic.

5. Star Wars Figures- Empire Strikes Back Part 2

I’m happy to see the second part of my blog focussing on my Star Wars figures from The Empire Strikes Back feature in the Top 10!

4. Subskate Summer Fun!

An in depth investigation into the merits (and failings) of a pool toy that never quite made it.

3. Star Wars Figures – The Empire Strikes Back

The first part of my feature concerning my original Star Wars figures from Empire. Good to see this was popular!

2. Return of Wales Comic Con

More Comic Con and cosplay fun, with a visit to Wrexham and Wales Comic Con back on home ground.

So what was the number one blog post of 2022? It was…

  1. Chester Comic Con 2022

In the number one spot, a visit to Chester’s Comic Con! A summer afternoon, loads of merch and dozens of cool cosplayers made this article the most successful of the year!

Events back on the menu has, unsurprisingly, dominated the results this year. They were all great fun, and well worth the visit. In contrast to the results from last year, where events were (understandably) under represented.

It’s also gratifying to see some skateboards and toys being appreciated, too.

This year, we look to return to a “new normal” in our post pandemic world. But with a Cost of Living Crisis, Brexit still unleashing it’s mayhem, and the same gang of inept cowards and liars in charge, we still have plenty of obstacles ahead.

Never the less, we at Platinum Al’s Virtual Hot Tub remain vigilant – bringing you the best entertainment. Thanks for being with us in 2022. Stay tuned for ever more greatness in 2023!

House of Halloween Horror Fest 2022

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It’s now November, and while Halloween is a distant memory for some, here it still lingers. Halloween Horror Fest was a blast, but it’s not quite dead and buried yet. There are a couple of spooky movies still to review for you lucky people. Gather round, ghouls – it’s time for…

House of Frankenstein (1944)

You just can’t beat the old Universal monster movies – I love ’em! Ideal easy viewing for Halloween – or any time, really!

In this picture, legendary horror master Boris Karloff plays Dr Niemann, a Mad Scientist if ever there was one, who escapes from prison with his hunchback accomplice. Together, they join a travelling horror side show curated by Professor Lampini, before eventually knocking him off. The remains of Count Dracula (John Carradine) are part of the show, and Niemann revives the vampire to help him wreak revenge on those responsible for his incarceration.

Revenge complete, the nefarious doctor abandons Dracula and makes his way to locate the records of Frankenstein. There, Niemann stumbles across both the Frankenstein Monster (Glenn Strange) and the Wolfman (Lon Chaney Jr), frozen in ice from their previous encounter in Frankenstein meets the Wolfman. With the Wolfman revived and his human counterpart, Larry Talbot, eager to receive aid from Dr Niemann, a rivalry between Talbot and the hunchback for the affection of a gypsy girl threatens to thwart all their plans.

It wouldn’t be Halloween without the monochrome delights of Universal monster movies, and this one is great fun. The only way to improve a monster movie is to cram in as many more monsters as possible, and House of Frankenstein does exactly that. Karloff and Chaney are wonderful, and though Carradine is no Lugosi, he has a charm of his own. It’s just a shame Drac isn’t utilised more fully here. That’s really my only complaint, other than the short running time.

The shared universe of the Marvel superheroes is a huge accomplishment nowadays; though it could be argued that Universal did it first: combining a bunch of their main horror characters into one movie. House of Frankenstein was certainly entertaining, a film I’ll revisit many times.

9/10

1408 (2007)

Based on a Stephen King short story I’ve never read, 1408 stars John Cusack as Mike Enslin, a professional paranormal investigator and writer. Enslin is somewhat jaded and definitely sceptical concerning his investigations of allegedly haunted houses.

When Enslin decides to investigate the infamous Room 1408 in a New York City hotel, he expects the usual non event – despite the manager (Samuel L Jackson) attempting to dissuade him from entering the room altogether. No one, the writer is warned, lasts longer than an hour in Room 1408.

Enslin enters the room, and slowly things start to happen. From witnessing ghosts of the room’s previous occupants to facing his own guilt and loss, Mike is increasingly trapped and tormented inside the hotel room.

It’s largely a one man show for Cusack, who does a solid job in his role as cynical writer turned haunted prisoner. The film has plenty of creepy, jumpy moments and unexpected twists. I’ve said enough, I don’t want to give anymore away – but I will say I was more impressed by 1408 than I expected to be.

7/10

There we go folks, Halloween Horror Fest is all over for another year. See you next time. Unpleasant dreams!