Twice a year. Every year. This island is graced with the Siege of Limerick, an all day metal festival in Dolan's every October and April, full to the brim with Irish metal and recently attracting headliners from overseas. Three stages from midday to 2 in the morning. The festival manages to pull an impressive crowd of people of all ages who hail from all corners of the island. This and it’s completely free in.
The festival turns 10 years old this week and to mark the occasion Bad Reputation, the puppet masters behind most of Limerick’s metal concerts, is marking the occasion with an additional day of the Siege that it is a special occasion.
The Siege of Limerick is always full of the new and the old of the Irish scene. As per, every band is worth laying your eyes on if they are on the bill. Here are some acts that we recommend you catch during the weekend.
Primordial - Saturday, Main Stage at 10.15pm
Perhaps this country’s biggest export in terms of metal, Primordial are an extremely well respected band on the continent and beyond. Their lamenting songs delivered with passionate vocals has become their trademark and their own take on the black metal genre and extreme metal has them headline the exclusive Saturday leg of the festival. All metal fans should see this legendary band once in their life. Evidence below.
The Crawling - Sunday, Upstairs at 10.20pm
The Crawling have come a long way since their last Siege outing, releasing a full length album 'Anatomy of Loss' and are set to release their forthcoming album 'Wolves and the Hideous White'. The three piece manage to replicate their depressing compositions live with two vocal styles running parallel, with riffs of gargantuan groove and a blackened death metal vibe which allows them to appeal to any extreme metal fan. They are surely not to be missed.
Bolzer - Saturday, Main Stage at 8.45pm
Bolzer are an electric duo from Switzerland who play a style of extreme metal that reminds one of their countrymen Celtic Frost, but also has elements of the new underground sound. Having done an interview with them a few weeks back, this Swiss duo is looking forward to leaving all their energy on the Main-stage this Saturday. For fans of blackened thrash and beyond, listen below.
Stereo Nasty - Sunday, Upstairs at 9.20pm
Kildare based classic heavy metal quartet Stereo Nasty bring a catchy retro filled sound to the bill. Their classic sound is perfected with some astounding vocals that would resonate with NWOBHM fans. Nostalgic to one generation but inspiring to another, Stereo Nasty bring their honest and uplifting sound to Limerick this Siege. Listen below.
Coroza - Sunday, Kasbah Stage at 5.30pm
Cork based doom/sludge band Coroza are awaiting their first full length album, but it hasn’t stopped them laying doom to nearly the whole of Cork thus far. Their brilliant range of vocals and ear for perfectly picked out riffs without opting for the over saturated reverb noise sound that has become accustomed to some doom bands has assured they stand out from the rest. Their debut at the Siege should prove to be a memorable one.
Shardborne - Saturday, Upstairs at 8pm
Limerick prog metal band Shardborne know how to leave a crowd in awe with their take on instrumental progressive metal. With complex rhythms, eclectic leads and influence from jazz to extreme metal, this is a true musician's band. With a new album on the horizon, the band are looking to showcase their talents yet again, having played the Siege at least once a year since it’s conception.
Partholón - Sunday, Warehouse Stage at 2.40pm
Another Cork band, Partholón formed from the ashes of Five Will Die. A post-metal quartet that sonically mirror themselves from bands such as Neurosis and ISIS, they bring a unique touch of Irish and spiritual heritage to their sound, with the ability to go from restful melodies to loud emotive riffs. The band recently released their split with fellow Cork band Soothsayer earlier this year. New and old music will surely be showcased, this powerhouse is in no way to be missed. Listen below.
Seven Sisters - Sunday, Warehouse Stage at Midnight
Hailing from London, Seven Sisters play NWOBHM speed metal with power melodies. With great guitar work and catchy tunes to close out the evening, Seven Sisters are a force to be reckoned with. With the philosophy of ‘twin lead or no lead’, you can be sure there will be plenty of shredding and mid to high tempo classic new wave metal to satisfy all your nostalgic needs.
Dool - Saturday, Main Stage at 6.15pm
Dool are an eccentric Dutch goth rock band with elements of Sisters of Mercy and the alike. This band brings a modern sound to the early 80’s English style of rock with dramatic vocals and a psych guitars with a blend of classic rock and symphonic goth. Perfect opener for the day. Listen below.
Slidhr - Saturday, Mainstage at 7.30pm
Slidhr are a black metal band from Dublin based in Iceland. This misanthropic trio resemble that of bands such as Emperor and Batuska. Worth the trip for any black metal fan, especially in this current third wave of the genre. An array of soundscapes and vocal styles allow Slidhr to deliver their dark and excellently crafted blackened sound to the Main Stage.
The Siege begins at 5pm on Saturday 27th and will continue until the late hours of Sunday 28th. Luckily for you it falls before the bank holiday.