It always takes me at least a couple of months to ease into the New Year. I started this one like I did the last, and the one before that; with a hangover so encompassing I thought it may never leave. Thankfully it did, along with the unrelenting rain and storms that plagued us through the last of the winter months, and spring has relievedly taken over in its wake. These were the thoughts that circulated through my brain as I arrived at Southampton University's Student Union last Saturday for Takedown Festival, and with the sun beaming over a sea of jet black hair and leather jackets I came to the realisation that it's almost here. Festival season is almost here.

I say almost, as it's still a few months until full on camping commences, but luckily Takedown has more than enough to offer me in the mean time; forty plus bands spread across three stages, with an after party to top it all off. First up on our arrival are Saint (The) Sinner, who meld together dramatic, theatrical electronics with powerful metal riffs that make them stand apart from similar acts in their playing field. They do well with an early slot, bringing all the energy and enthusiasm from a headline act onto the Uprawr Stage. We interviewed drummer James before hand who shed some light on the new record they are curating, so keep your ears to the ground for its future release. Following soon afterwards were Black Futures, offering up one the more interesting sonic compilations of the day. Think of a metal Prodigy, with the front man throwing a double bass around like it was a guitar. Their cover of Slipknot's Duality was a welcome one, and had a pit circling the floor at three in the afternoon. A post show interview with them revealed a new record was also in the works, and I would highly recommend buying it when it's out. 

A brief interlude and a short walk leads us away into the Big Deal stage for London based Zoax. First thing I noticed was singer Adam striding around off stage, climbing up things he shouldn't and generally getting in people's faces. This immediately made me like them, helped tenfold by the awesome musicianship from his fellow band mates, who throw themselves around the stage as much as Adam does off. Equal parts groovy and melodic they left every participating audience member with their riffs running through their heads. Time then for Heart of a Coward, whose recent album Severance has been making a regular appearance through my speakers of late. I was fortunate enough to catch the last date on their recent tour with Thy Art is Murder, ever amazed at their ability to command such stage presence, with this occasion being no different. Throwing out elements of metal-core and groove metal they have a huge sound, obviously universally recognized by every sweaty, arm swinging metal head in the room. Speaking with them before their set revealed they've started the writing process for another new record already, and if it's anything like the last then you definitely have something to be excited about.

Unfortunately at this point I was left with a choice between Turbowolf and Jamie Lenman, eventually deciding after much deliberation on the latter. Having kept relatively quiet over the past few years his recent solo effort muscle memory, which consisted of one heavy side and another more pop/acoustic orientated, was a welcome return onto the scene. Being that we were at Takedown there was more focus on the heavier side of the two, even throwing in a few classic Reuben numbers to please the old fans (myself included).

I couldn't miss another opportunity to catch Baby Godzilla after seeing them for the first time last year at Arctangent festival; with the worrying looks plastered across the faces of security and stage managers enough reason not to miss them perform. Raucous would be an apt description, as they climb on top of any perceivable elevated surface, invite audience members on stage and throw themselves into (and on top of) the remaining crowd. Highly entertaining.

With the end of the evening drawing near I watched Rise to Remain from a seated balcony position (VIP has its perks), making a good effort of standing in for Chimaira, who were unable to attend due to illness. Their newest release 'Over and Over' which will feature on their much anticipated second album was a crowd favourite, and their technical abilities were impressive to say the least. It was Funeral for a Friend who I was particularly excited to see however; it was as close to going back and high-fiving my fifteen year old self as is physically possible. Although I am less familiar with their newer material they played a mix of old and new to cover all the bases, and their riffs haven't gotten any less tasty of the years.

With the bands finished I ventured forth into the after party in search of more beer, something which was going to much needed for my overnight stay in the car. A most excellent way to start off the festival season early, preparing me for the busy summer ahead. See you next year Takedown.  

View photographs from Takedown here

Reviewed by Liam McMillan
Photography by Chris Poots