Reviews
War Shepherd/Stealth Moose/Parlay/Entity of Maker
The Junction, Plymouth - 16th January
War Shepherd
New members, new songs,
War Shepherd are back!
Nearly a year since their last performance, the revitalized War Shepherd took the stage to present their new EP, 'Shattered Thrones Pt 1.' The lineup now includes new members Dan on drums, Tommy on bass, and John, the talented bass player from Lacerta, stepping up to handle vocal duties.
Kicking off their set with the EP’s opening track, 'Threads of Fate,' the connection among the five musicians became instantly palpable within the first 30 seconds.
Next came a reimagined version of 'Dethrone the King' from 2023's *Act I: Atrocities Beneath a Blue Star*, followed by their current single, 'The Red Pages,' which is quickly becoming a crowd favorite. Speaking of the audience, the energy was electric, with a bustling pit filled with ecstatic fans and headbangers lining the sides.
Chris and James showcased their exceptional guitar skills, moving fluidly across the stage, while John expertly engaged with the crowd.
'Ad Victoriam,' 'Under Darkness,' 'Stay Your Heart,' and 'Bloodstained Sky' were performed with undeniable flair, leading into 'Star Meridian' from *Shattered Thrones*.
As the set wound down, 'Solitary State' and 'Are You Dead Yet' paved the way for the grand finale: the self-titled 'War Shepherd.' With the final note resonating, the audience erupted in applause and cheers, expressing their appreciation.
Simply put—War Shepherd is back!
Check out the live video 'The Red Pages' shot at the Junction
https://youtu.be/p5xNzSfknlQ
Stealth Moose
Stealth Moose know how to turn up the fun!
But hey, they really want you 'that way'
Every time I spot the 'Moose on a bill, a smile instantly appears on my face. They radiate joy—not through comedy alone, though their song titles might suggest otherwise—but through their captivating performances, delightful melodies, and infectious energy.
The chemistry they share on stage is truly exceptional, enhancing their delivery as they play with genuine smiles. Of course, their well-curated setlist also adds to the overall experience.
The opener, 'Hunt Cammer,' gets the crowd buzzing, and by the time 'Swimming Pool Tsunami' wraps up, their playful antics are in full swing. They’re grinning like Cheshire cats, a clear sign that Stealth Moose genuinely love what they do.
Next up are 'Fairground Lurker' and 'Knuckle Sandwich,' culminating in the powerhouse finale, 'Moomin Wang.'
But a Stealth Moose gig never ends there—oh no! They treat the audience to a spirited rendition of the Backstreet Boys' classic 'I Want It That Way,' inviting everyone to join in, which they enthusiastically do. As I mentioned earlier, it was an unforgettable experience—full of energy and, most importantly, fun!
Parlay
Pirates Have Docked at The Junction,
Now It's Time to Parlay
While it's undeniably fun to embrace the world of pirate metal, Parlay adds an edge that elevates it to something truly extraordinary.
Known for their electrifying performances, tonight’s show is no exception as they captivate a large audience. Their setlist is flawlessly executed, kicking off with 'Ferryman' and seamlessly transitioning into 'Seven Seas'—with more nautical-themed tracks on the way.
As 'Sleeping with Sirens' hits the airwaves, both the band and the crowd find themselves fully immersed in the music.
Parlay's unique style encourages different segments of the audience to join in, whether it’s through 2-stepping, moshing, or headbanging. This inclusive approach sets them apart and creates an infectious energy throughout the venue.
'Cutlass' follows, though sadly, the foam sword fights in the mosh pit are absent. The penultimate track, 'Cursed Waters,' prompts spontaneous crowd rowing, and what better song to end the set than 'Walk the Plank'?
And just like that, the pirates sailed off into the night, leaving a thoroughly satisfied crowd craving a toast with a tot of rum.
Entity of Maker
The Return of the Maker
"Let's make it happen," and they did!
The first of two thrilling returns to the stage tonight as Entity of Maker emerges from the shadows.
Joining Jamie, Gregg, and Matt D are new guitarist Matt Ward and drummer Laurence Carter, both formerly of Ray Manta.
They kick off the night with 'Moments' before transitioning into 'Trapped,' quickly revealing how much they've missed being on stage.
As the crowd continues to grow, EoM unleashes a powerful duo of 'Fragile' and 'Victorious,' with frontman Matt D immersing himself among the audience as he pours his heart into the vocals.
His return to the stage after his spontaneous stroll marks the beginning of 'Axiom,' delivering an electrifying performance that culminates in 'World at Our Feet.'
After the show, I spoke with Gregg and Matt, who shared their joy about being back. When asked during their hiatus if he wanted to continue, Matt responded, "I need it more than I realized I needed it. Let's do this." And tonight, they certainly delivered. Given the enthusiastic crowd reaction, it’s clear they’ll be back for more soon.
