Employed To Serve – Clwb Ifor Bach, 19/5/18

Last Saturday we headed down to our local Clwb Ifor Bach to catch uprising British metallers God Complex, Conjurer and Employed To Serve. It’s an earlier start then normal and overheard at the merch table is Conjurer guitarist Brady discussing why. We discover there’s a disco and fortunately he bloody loves discos.

We just managed to catch the end of God Complex due to the early doors and got the vibe of a band we’d definitely check out again. Within two songs the hard-hitting power and emotion oozed out of the British metallers.

Conjurer are quick to soundcheck that sees them banter with the sound man, “let’s play a show” before diving into their set. From the get go it’s pretty intense and the vocals swaying from either guitarist bring a surprising element to their sound – it doesn’t feel cliche and the raw power from either is ruthless and satisfying. The four piece play it low, dark and throughout their set sees each member takes a step frightfully close towards the crowd to scream and headband in faces, the crowd unafraid dig it.

Employed To Serve take a moment before the set to all don the same overcoat that exhibits their logo. It’s been a year since they’ve released their album ‘The Warmth of A Dying Sun’ and outrightly show their proudness for it. The hype they’ve had over the last year from being Kerrang! favourites to impressive festival slots just goes to show it’s appeal – hardcore that’s crisp and doesn’t rely on breakdown riffs to see them through a set.

It’s nice to see a decent crowd early on and bring that feeling of we’re all friends in this room tonight. Employed To Serve are full of zest and the crowd react accordingly that see sporadic pits, some split trousers, a ambitious stage dive, a worm dance and hugs throughout. Towards the end everyone’s in admiration and the end of the set sees them crowd the stage to give their respect, give some well deserved handshakes and some loving hugs.

A pleasure to watch the band perform as always and a band that is still growing.

9/10


About Nadine 223 Articles
Soundscape co-founder, webmaster and South Wales music photographer. Forever traveling on buses and singing all the wrong words. Get in touch: twitter: nadinebphoto e: nadineballantyne@soundscapemagazine.com