HALLION

The Grand,

Leigh On Sea

Essex

18/07/03

From the ominous tones of a heavy metal rendition of Star Wars “Imperial March”, HALLION took the stage and it was obvious this was something very different from the typical Nu-Metal fare that I have become a little used to seeing. I actually felt I was about to witness something special and a small feeling of excitement took over.

The 4 characters that took the stage seemed cool and collected.

“FFEF” with it’s devil-may-care demeanour shook the floor and entertained despite monitor problems.

Complications resolved, Gav Ruadh introduced and launched into the first verse of “Drama Queen” with a snarling vocal and look that conjured up images of Mike Monroe in his Hanoi days.

“Ain’t Fallin In Love Tonight” followed, it’s chilling tone cutting like a cold knife through the stifling venue. “Could It Be You” roars between it’s subdued moments followed by the gentle song of lost love that is “There She Goes”, a song that could be a real hit for them.

The musicianship within these four is fairly high, but they retain a certain danger. No slouches in performance either. Band introductions actually felt enjoyable, there appears to be quite a sense of camaraderie here. Mark Vickers’ thunderous drumming commanded attention, leading to a brief bass solo from their stand-in bass player John Stott. Dane treated us to a flurry of high-speed blues licks before introducing Gav Ruadh, jokingly referring to his very recent emergency kidney surgery. No one would have guessed.

Introductions lead seamlessly into “Great Song Of Defiance”, where the band lept into an impressive, almost thrash-metal stride…with a cowbell… which sounded ruthless.

Closing the evening with a choice of 2 covers, Sex Pistols’ “Silly Thing” and W.A.S.P’s “Fuck Like A Beast” with members of Sneaking Fog to a great reception.

Hallion do have that something. There’s no band that you can draw a true comparison with. Gav almost resembles a red-haired Blackie Lawless, Dane a Joe Perry/Slash figure, Jay and Mark a little more understated but still exhibiting that rock n roll attitude. Musically speaking, Melody, Variety, Charm and Honesty appear to be Aces in their sleeves. Of which they may as well tattoo themselves with, because they are qualities I cannot see leaving them.

Mike Baker