Before Tortured Demon's set, though, the crowd was treated to support slots from two fairly local bands. The turnout was not quite as a good as last time, and it actually diminished as the night went on - suggesting that some where there just for the support acts. This was a shame, but there was still a reasonable and active crowd which stuck around until the end - and considering that the show was on a Monday it was probably a relative success. Opening the show were the Exeter-based hardcore band Apathy UK. I call Apathy UK a hardcore act, but in reality their sound was all over the place. They looked like a hardcore band, though, and included some hardcore material in their set, particularly towards the end, but they also had a bit more of an extreme metal side - with the occasional progressive and sludgy tendency. In fact, the set seemed like sets from two different bands stitched together. The first few songs were lengthier, featuring lots of bit stuck together with more technical riffing, lengthy guitar solos, and the occasional more atmospheric moment. There was generally a sludgy, more dissonant sound during this part of the set - although the vocals were generally strong and throaty throughout. Some of the songs really meandered, though, and could have done with some editing - but there were strong moments which shone through, with the odd riff and guitar solo showing real promise. The second half of the set was much punchier, though, with hardcore riffing and shorter pieces which felt more aggressive and less progressive. These songs were perhaps less interesting arrangement-wise, but they felt more assured in terms of groove and delivery - and I would suggest that the band shone a little more as a whole during these punchier numbers. As such, then, Apathy UK seem to be a band unsure of where they want to go. The contrasting styles was very apparent and it would be wise for them to pick a lane and stay in it. There is certainly some talent there, though.
Up next were Yeovil's Unburier - a technical death metal band I saw last year opening for Crypta. I really enjoyed their set last year, but this time I did not find them to be as compelling. It looks like the band have recently had a drummer change and, as a result, they did not seem as tight this time. I am sure that new drummer Kim Hughes will lock in properly in due course, and he did not especially seem to be lacking so I am not putting it all on him - I just felt that overall the machine-like precision I remember from last time was not there this time. It takes a while for line-up changes to bed in, even for the existing members, so the band is likely still feeling their way through the change - particularly given how complex their material is. I was looking forward to seeing the band again, but sadly they just did not have the same effect as last time. I remember the live sound mix being particularly good last time, too, which helped - so overall this performance was just a bit lacking compared to what came before. The riffing and soloing was still as impressive, but it just did not hit me as powerfully as it did last time. I also noted that Unburier received less of a strong reaction than Apathy UK - and perhaps the drop in energy levels was part of my issue with the set. The crowd went wild for Apathy UK, who perhaps received the strongest reaction of the evening in truth, but toned it down for Unburier. In fairness, the band's more progressive vibe merits a less intense reaction - but it was nevertheless noticeable. One thing I did notice from a positive perspective, though, was just how great a bass player Stan Mitchell is. His playing was higher in the mix this time and his riffing and occasional more melodic line was really obvious. He had no problem at all keeping up with the two guitarists - and in a genre where bass is often buried and perhaps lacks definition, it was great to see some great progressive playing from Mitchell. His fretless bass had a great tone, too, which helped.
Tortured Demon then took to the stage following what seemed like quite a long changeover, and looking back the changeovers between each band did not seem as slick as they surprisingly often are at The Junction, and were greeted by a decent but noticeably depleted crowd. There was still plenty of moshing and movement from those left, though, which ensured a decent atmosphere - and the band still seemed happy with the reception, particularly noting that it was a Monday night. With six songs coming from each album, alongside last year's stand-alone single, the 13-song set was a powerful one that filled just over an hour. Newer material tended to bookend the night, with the middle reserved for older cuts. It was great to hear some different tracks this time compared to last time - but the opening duo of Conflict of Interest and Virtual Death are familiar live staples by this point. Both have strong choruses, which Jacob nailed with his strong harsh vocals - whilst his brother Joe Parkinson (drums) really let it rip behind his large drumkit. Tortured Demon seem to have recently undergone a line-up change of their own, with new bassist Joel Bayley now on board, but they were as tight as they were before. The band do seem to have had a lot of line-up changes already, though, which is expected when starting out but it would be good to see things settle down as they progress - as multiple line-up changes can often be disruptive and stall any building momentum. Rory Marsland-Smith (guitar) is well entrenched in the band at this point, though, with the recent single Nothing Left to Say showcasing what he brings to the table - with his melodic sensibilities often the counter to Jacob's more intense shredding. Given that more older material was played, though, Jacob soloed more than he did last time - with the lengthy The Invasion and the big gang vocals of Cold Blood being some highlights from the first album to get an airing. Jacob noted that he was around 14 when most of these songs were written, so it amazing how far this band have come at such a young age. There is a huge amount of potential here to be capitalised on - and I am really looking forward to hearing their third album and the direction it takes. Whilst I think the band have improved since their debut, though, it was still great to hear some of those songs live - with A Knee to the Face of Corruption and the debut's title track really showcasing that early promise and standing up to the newer cuts. I perhaps enjoyed the last few moments of the set the most, though, with the anthemic Global Threat and the more progressive The Damage Is Done showcasing the best of Tortured Demon so far. The melodic and fists-in-the-air vibes of the second album's title track rounded everything out - and those who stuck it out certainly went home happy. The setlist was:
Conflict of Interest
Virtual Death
Nothing Left to Say
Disfavour
The Invasion
Cold Blood
Oppressed
My Terror
A Knee to the Face of Corruption
Global Threat
In Desperation's Grip
The Damage Is Done
An Empire Condemned
Rise of the Lifeless
Whilst last November's show might have been better in terms of turnout and atmosphere, I think that last night was better in terms of performance. The varied setlist was welcome and the band seemed really tight - with a better overall sound mix helping the riffing, soloing, and vocals all to shine. Whilst the band do not have too many other shows planned this year, album number three should be being worked on - and I am hoping that they will return to Plymouth again when it drops.
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