REVIEW The last Stranded Birmingham show and Cauldrons EP release

The 20th of December was a big moment for Second City Hardcore, we said goodbye to two beloved bands, welcomed a new band and saw metalcore outfit Cauldron tear subside apart for their ep release. It was an exciting night with constant movement, and for me, a night to remember. Happy vibes, lots of moshing and emotional goodbyes

If you are anyway involved in the Birmingham hardcore scene you will most certainly know scene legends Stranded. Stranded are a group of young, talented and very friendly musicians who were always so welcoming to me when I first started to go to shows. They had a friendly attitude that has resonated into the scene and brought a new wave of hardcore lovers to Birmingham. Not to mention those catchy guitar riffs, hard-hitting drums and fun-filled songs that people will always remember. Last week Birmingham said goodbye to Stranded, it was an emotional end, but it certainly went out with a bang. With old and new friends shouting the words back and being involved in the madness. Strandeds official last show will be the XservitudeX Ep release on the 19th of January in Glasgow.

Not to mentioned Telford act, Force Of Neglect who we also said goodbye to. George (vocals) announced onstage that it was there last show. It was an absolute shame due to how tight the band sounded and big the response was for them, they will be missed by Birmingham.

However, it wasn’t all bad news. Birmingham has welcomed a new band, Inside. Made up members from Splintered and Stranded and myself.

Cauldron is a band that seemed to come out of nowhere. It was only last year at the Stranded headline show that they did their first show, then one year later they packed out the exact same venue. Not only this, they have drastically expanded their sound. With their second ep; ‘SHRINE’ taking up influences from the likes of Vein and Sanction. The crowd were instantly moving by the opening riff of ‘The Spiral,’ with bodies flying in every direction and the crowd singing along. Not to mention that routine guest spot by Dan Wilson. It was a lively set and it felt like Cauldron owned the room. For me, it was one of my favourites shows to date for SCHC. The boys have done Birmingham proud.

By Sam Hennerley