The challenge of getting mid-sized bands to Devon may finally have an answer as we head to the new venue, Arena in Torquay, to catch Fury supporting Metallica tribute band Metallica Reloaded.

First impressions of the new venue are positive. A large bar area with street food and merch stand welcomes us, and through double doors is a 1,200 capacity space with a large stage and great sound and lighting systems.

Looking at the various screens showing upcoming shows, Skindred, Wildhearts, Punk Rock Factory, and others are all due to visit the Riviera soon, so I may finally not have to head to Bristol or Cardiff whenever I want to get my fix of rock and metal!

Tonight we are here to see Fury, unusually supporting a tribute band. Crowds at such events usually prefer to revisit known music, so how would an original band fare? Would they draw people to the front, or would the bar win out until more familiar tunes fill the air?

Fury had managed to escape me up until Firevolt Festival in Manchester this summer, when, for me, they were one of the bands of the weekend. Weirdly, I later found out they play the Brixham Pirate Festival every year, so how I have missed them I have no idea!

They were visiting Torbay as part of the new ‘Interceptor’ album, and the title track opens the show with a bang, showcasing everything that makes this band more than a little special. Front and centre are the pairing of Julian Jenkins on guitar and vocals, and Nyah Ifill with a deliciously contrasting vocal style and stage presence. Flanking them are Tom Atkinson ripping out riffs that instantly grab the attention of those yet to experience the band, and, back in place on bass, the ridiculously virtuoso Becky Baldwin. The rhythm section of Becky and Tom Fenn really are a thunderous powerhouse of a pairing, and the bar empties rapidly.

The set is around 50% new material, and a journey through older material, and the fireworks of ‘Prince of Darkness’ hark back ten years. ‘It’s Rock and Roll’ has more of a touch of Blackmore in the guitar, then things turn a little darker with ‘Hell of a Night’. ‘What’s It Gonna Be’ pushes Nyah’s vocals to the fore and is probably my favourite song on the new album.

The insanely catchy ‘Don’t Lie To Me’ fuzzes and fizzes and shows the progression clearly heard in the new material, and ‘Walk Away’ slows things down as the middle of the set focuses on ‘Interceptor’. It’s a departure from the usual pace and speed of Fury, but it is a delightful piece of reflection that works beautifully. ‘Look At Us Now’ has a riff that bounces around your head for days afterwards, and Becky Baldwin’s iron fingers lead us into ‘Embrace the Demons, where the crowd are cajoled into buying “JJ” a bar full of beers.

More bass fireworks kick off ‘Burnout’, which goes on to feature scintillating solos from each of those with strings to attack. ‘Road Warrior’ gives Tom Fenn his chance to show his skills with an intro that rattles the glasses next door in the bar. One moment really showing the talent on show is that partway through, Nyah and Julian sing two completely different refrains at the same time, producing a deliciously complex and layered vocal.

For a lasting memory, another track off ‘Interceptor’ with ‘DTR’, a song that brings together every element of Fury’s sound: a huge riff, layered vocals, rhythm that shakes your fillings loose, and a sing-along chorus.

I rarely head to see tribute bands, but if you are going to see one, it really ought to be a good one, and without doubt, Metallica Reloaded get it right!

Hailing from Bristol and occasionally featuring various members of Fury in their ranks, they keep away from trying to play the parts of the various members of Metallica too much and focus on the sound.

I can’t say I am the biggest Metallica fan. In fact, I have been to two festivals where they have headlined and have wimped out for weather reasons both times, but standing back with a beer, I enjoyed this West Country version immensely, and the crowd certainly bought their A-game, even indulging in crowd surfing!

A great night and hopefully many more to come. We will certainly head to Pirate Fest next year now we know Fury find their way there each year and may even get to catch Mr. Jenkins in action sooner, as he is currently filling in on vocal duty for Mr. Phil Campbell and his Bastards Sons and getting great reviews.

Review and photos – Rob Wilkins

Fury and Metallica Reloaded

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