It was a local Black Sabbath nostalgia night as tribute act Sabbotage came to celebrate the Heavy Metal champions’ catalogue. It was The Black Hounds though who had me venturing to a different neck of the woods last Saturday.  

Guttural Gospel 

And that’s no shade thrown at what is an excellent example of a tribute band in Sabbotage, but I am setting on a voyage to discover local original acts! And voyage I shall. The Black Hounds have been on the scene for a while. Still, for the past few years, I have often heard their name pass the lips of many metalheads and musicians alike, spreading the guttural gospel like wildfire amongst various miscellaneous brummie and yam-yam smoking shelters. While I did catch them at a Metal to the Masses show sometime a couple of years ago, I thought it’d be best to refresh my memory as a fair few leisurely drinks were consumed that night. 

Metal Encyclopedia 

These guys are doing the Midlands metal heritage proud, let’s just get that out of the way. This sonic splicing of modern metal capabilities with the classic flavour of your Uncle’s dusty 1970s record collection is a cocktail best served with loud volume, and The Black Hounds were certainly testing The Billesley’s sound system. The rock and metal encyclopedia was on full show, a who’s who of influences had me pondering to myself, “Ah, who does that remind me of?” which is something I love. And we cannot forget, they manage to pull this off whilst still sounding authentic to themselves. It is refreshing to hear an interpretation of metal that is not fearful of adhering to trends and cultural regulations, The Black Hounds are true to their craft and I am all for it. These guys are anthemic whilst maintaining a credible, solid sound. 

Classic Crunch 

Blistering and guttural double pedal kick beats melt into the dirtiest stoner metal riffs, with no stop for an explanation. Piercing lead guitars violently reach out of the grasp of the chugging rhythm as an expert wail of a vocal vibrato rings the eardrums of those in attendance. This downright powerful rhythm section can satisfy the pickiest of eaters, whilst providing enough classic crunch for those stoner metal doom freaks out there. One song may sound akin to Judas Priest playing a Metallica ditty whilst another may feel like Slipknot playing a Kiss anthem. Not to mention the riding Iron Maiden rhythms and the Melvins style grooves on offer. This is it man, a proper well-crafted sound with enough variety for all your friend’s tastes. Something for everyone.   

 The ability to be a band full of excellent entertainers and musicians is something to aim for, and The Black Hounds do this with stoic coolness. One of the highlights of their set is the Mercury-style call-and-response vocal lines, which are interpreted here through the hazy lenses of power metal mania! The crowd, screaming back the vocal lines before the band kicks back in to melt the faces of the innocent watchers on, and oh what a sight it is to behold! Overall, a highly recommended metal band, that dares to step into uncharted territory sonically. Ducking and stage-diving expectations and providing some of those analogue vintage feels, I am most definitely going to make the pilgrimage again! Whilst Sabbotage scratched the nostalgic itch expertly, many in attendance left with a taste of new blood in their mouths. The Black Hounds had the crowd clenched in their paws. 

Daragh Guest