It’s the highly anticipated second of the Semi Finals and the Jericho is rammed once again as we have a packed night of metal awaiting us all. With 4 competing bands and a headliner up on tonight’s roster, the schedule is packed and both the bands and the crowd are ready.

Taking it away first are Sabertooth who bring us their distinctive 80s-esque metal sound; classic and stacked with riffs. They have such a familiar and nostalgic sound, with such an array of catchy songs that makes it impossible not to enjoy watching these guys.

With each set throughout this competition they have stepped it up and this is definitely the tightest I have seen them play. The crowd was also appreciative and the whole room was head banging together. A perfect opener for the evening, Sabertooth brought the energy, the riffs and the classic sound we have come to know and love them for. 

Away With The Seas go next and despite being a little late to start due to some technical issues, they tear into their set with ferocity. They bring us their refined signature ambient vibes and interlace it perfectly with utter brutality. It’s very warm in here, but despite this, the crowd is undeterred and responds enthusiastically to the many requests to open the pit.

Their performance is raw, passionate and shows how completely deserving they are of getting to this stage of the competition.

More Human Than Human are our third band of the evening and bring the ambience as is customary. They are clearly very happy to be here and you can see they are enjoying every second of what they are doing immensely.

Their front man even takes time to mention how humbled they are to have gone through both times on the crowd vote and this in turn elicits a roar of appreciation from the crowd who are as always really into the show More Human Than Human put on. The haunting resonance of the reverb and the beautiful depth and body to the songs always leaves a lasting impression. 

Redeemon are the last of the competing bands up this evening and it’s always a joy to be here photographing these lot! They are as fun and chaotic as ever, but unfortunately due to the technical issues earlier in the evening, we are now very behind schedule and they have to make do with a cut down set. They have the crowd onside immediately though and I think I’m not the only one disappointed we aren’t getting to see them play for longer.

One of the fantastic things about M2TM is the variety of genres we get to experience and Redeemon really do bring that something special. Every time they play, the room comes to life and people leave with a smile. 

Our guest headliner for the evening groovy doomers, Collapser who have travelled all the way down from Stoke on Trent in honour of the occasion and who there is a distinct sense of anticipation for. Unfortunately again due to technical issues with the sound we are denied a complete set which is a shame as despite being a man down they put on a fun and energetic show that elicits that last hurrah for the evening.

They lean on covers due to the absence of their usual frontman, but this is not by any means a detriment. This is a fun, relaxed, engaging and uplifting way to end the evening and the crowd are loving it from start to finish. 

After a pause for deliberation time we are ready to hear the results, it really is coming down to the wire now. Redeemon charge through to the finals on the crowd vote and the judges vote goes to Away With The Seas. Congratulations to both bands on their well deserved places in the final and commiserations to those leaving the competition. The All Day Final will take place on 11th July at The Jericho Tavern from 3pm.

Words & images: Kate Elfström