The Thekla, 8th April 2022
Canadian noise rockers Metz returned to Bristol on Friday night and brought their “A” game with them. The Toronto based Trio (Alex Edkins, guitar and vocals), (Chris Slorach, bass) and (Hayden Menzies, drummer) rocked the boat as much as it can be rocked without sinking it.
Somewhat in the ball park of “veterans” territory, you know exactly what you are gonna get from a Metz gig … a giant explosion of noise rock. If anything, Friday’s gig seemed even louder than one would normally expect. I think owing to the reception the band received, the way the crowd were up for the party and the band responding in kind.
Shackles were thrown off early as the band let loose with thunderous sound that must have caused a sonic boom across the harbour. For those that have not experienced Metz live, the sound is ferocious and possibly more important than the vocal. Long intros and outros punctuated by electrostatic vocals, where required, are the theme.
This tour has been the first chance for UK fans to hear 2020’s “Atlas Vending” LIVE!!! And it showed. Each and every song greeted with a massive ovation, as Metz produced a whirlwind of energy on stage that transmitted into the flaying limbs of those throwing themselves around a jam-packed dancefloor. The harder the crowd went, the harder the band performed.
It was a joyous unison to watch. Edkins screaming upward into the mic stand as Slorach bounced with fury all over the stage. The drumming of Menzies is immense. So much so that when I captured some slow mo and played it back it was still faster and more intense than some drummers at full speed, just incredible to watch.
The band brought the set to a close with sweat dripping off the walls of the famous old venue. And huge smiles on those packed from stern to bow.
@bristolnomad_gigphotography 
@tomdoddvisuals
@thebristolnomad / @bristolnomad_gigphotography
Role: Photographer / Reviewer / Interviewer
Chief, the one that bugs the team for team for their reviews and images. Creator and founder of The Bristol Gig Guide. Can usually be found swamped in admin or getting cramp kneeling at the front of a gig.
Available for: Gig Shoots, Gig Reviews, Photo Shoots, Album and Single cover shoots, Videography work, Interviews and Touring
First attended gig: Republica, circa 1996.
First gig shot: Hands Off Gretel, at The Louisiana!
Dream gig: Huge metalhead and my ultimate dream gig would be shooting my heroes Slipknot at a huge stadium gig, or as festival headliners. And to experience shooting a headline tour outside the UK
