9/4/2011 Wolfsbane & Eureka Machines @ The Borderline

Subject	Wolfsbane & Eureka Machines @ The Borderline
DateCreated	4/18/2011 4:03:00 PM
	I seem to be finding myself back at the Borderline fairly often these days, but with bills like this it's not surprising! The rather amazing Eureka Machines open the show. This lot are definitely one of the best live bands in the country. Good tunes, heavy Wildhearts or Metallica style riffs, catchy pop hooks, great stage show, and highly entertaining banter - ticks all the boxes as far as I'm concerned. The band are all excellent musicians and their set , stage moves, etc are obviously highly rehearsed - and it really pays off. Eureka Machines are totally unique. Although you can spot some of the bands that have influenced them, they sound nothing like those bands - and they certainly don't look like them either! Their debut album 'Do Or Die' is excellent, but judging from what we hear tonight they might even surpass in with their new one 'Champion The Underdog'. I'm already looking forward to seeing the band headline this venue next month... After Wolfsbane split up years ago due to Iron Maiden headhunting their singer, there was bad blood in the camp and it didn't seem there was any chance of them ever getting back together. A couple of years ago the guys buried the hatchet and reformed for a handful of support gigs. This just appeared to be a temporary reunion for old time's sake and for the benefit of the hardcore fans. However, these shows went down a storm.  Then it all went quiet for a while. The last time I saw the band was a year or so ago supporting the Quireboys and so be honest as I watched Blaze sing a cover of 'Born To Run' I didn't think his heart was in it any more - I was sure that was the last time I'd ever see Wolfsbane play.  I'm very glad to say I have been proved wrong! Wolfsbane are back - with a vengeance! This is the band's first headline show in 17 years. I don't know what's happened since last time I saw them, but this time they really mean it. They also look like they are thoroughly enjoying themselves. The band's hardcore fans the infamous 'Howling Mad Shitheads' are out in force tonight - this show sold out months ago. The atmosphere is electric. This triumphant comeback London show taking place at the Borderline is very fitting as the venue is only a stone's throw from the old Charing Cross Road Marquee where the band recorded their ferocious classic ''Massive Noise Injection' live album back in 1993. Remarkably, this is the full original Wolfsbane lineup, although it has to be said the intervening years have not been kind to the band members - mostly now having more weight and less hair. Apart from bassist Jeff Hately who seems to have escaped largely unscathed. Axeman Jase Edwards had noticably lost weight when he was playing at Ginger's Birthday Bash in December, but I'm sure Blaze still had hair a year ago - unlike drummer Steve Danger who gave up that battle a while ago. The band might look older, but age has not wearied them. They seem deadly serious in intent now - not only are they releasing some new songs on an EP along with some re-recorded old ones, but they are also going on tour and are going to record a brand new album. Their performance tonight leaves no doubt that this time they mean it. Blaze states at the beginning of the show that they are going to perform songs tonight from their very earliest days (one from a demo from before Blaze even joined the band) right up to some brand new songs. However, my hopes for some of my favourites like 'Wings' and 'Lifestyles Of The Broke & Obscure' from their last and eponymous album released after the band split are in vain. Apart from that, the setlist is a real crowd pleaser with old favourites like 'Manhunt', 'Killing Machine, 'Paint The Town Red', 'Steel', 'Totally Nude', and 'Black Lagoon'. 'Kathy Wilson' is a particular highlight! Blaze Bayley is still one of the best frontmen out there, with his forceful stare and banter - I don't think I've ever seen anyone as brutally effective at geeing the crowd up and getting them going. Of course there is the usual banter from the infamous 'Dark Lord of Metal', and the crowd chantinG ''YOU FAT BASTARD!' back at him - all part of the fun of a Wolfsbane show!  It's great to see this fantastic British metal band back and in such fine form - I look forward to the new album and more live shows soon...