Dogtallica
The Old Salutation Inn, Nottingham, April 22nd, 2023
In aid of Mucky Pups Dog Rescue, Dogtallica returns for its 4th year at The Old Salutation Inn. Hosting ten Metal bands throughout the day and featuring The Dogtallica Dolls podium dancers later in the evening with DJ Yentonian on the decks. The brainchild behind the event is Paula Allen who combined her love of dogs and passion for music to help raise funds for pooches in need. Each year the event gets bigger and better with plans to expand to two days in 2024. This year Paula Allen and her team proudly raised £1068.85.
With £8 entry on the door, the gig is hosted upstairs with one main stage. The venue itself is a good size for such an event and is for many their ‘go-to’ on the rock and metal scene in Nottingham and surrounding areas. Boasting an upstairs and downstairs area outside and a menu catering for many dietary requirements there’s no need to leave the location throughout the day. The event has proven to be popular with many in attendance right up until the early hours.
Phoenix Lake are a phenomenal band that captivates their audience with an original blend of metal and an outstanding female vocalist. Their energetic live performance showcases the chemistry between the band members and their passion for music. Vocalist Lana Phillis’ distinctive voice cuts through the instruments, creating an unforgettable sound. The band’s presence and ability to engage with the crowd make it a truly electrifying experience – it’s a show we won’t forget!
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The performance from horror metallers Flirting with corpses is a truly electrifying experience! They’re enthralling, with each band member showcasing a unique style and talent. Nikki Noir’s powerful vocals are a standout, effortlessly engaging with the audience throughout the show. The guitarists captivated everyone with their skilled work, delivering punchy riffs that melded perfectly with the tight drumming and heavy basslines. The visual effects added an extra layer of excitement to the performance with makeup style of Flirting With Corpses easily drawing comparisons to Cradle Of Filth and Alice Cooper, the band members covered in dramatic corpse paint. Their interaction with the crowd is genuine and fun, making it a memorable performance.
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The 3rd band to take the stage, hailing from Durham are alt-rock quintet The Dead Heroines. Collectively their style alone piqued our interest and hearing them perform we weren’t disappointed! Offering something a bit different than some of the other bands on the bill, less heavy in sound but still with buckets of attitude, vocalist Sophie, who joined the band last year, gives us Courtney Love vibes with her grungy punk style and a voice that can transport you straight back onto the 90s rock scene. A stand-out song in their set was ‘Sweet Disease’. At one point they invited a Dogtallica Doll on stage to strut their stuff which went down a treat with the crowd.
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London-based hard rock band Death Valley Knights follow with a performance that is big on guitars and equally big on hair as they windmill expertly throughout. On guitars and vocals, Jake cuts a powerful presence with his bellowing vocals demanding the audience watches. Although the band had a few issues during their set (why does this happen so often?), be it with equipment or disruptions they pull it together like professionals and managed to deliver a set that keep the punters on their feet throughout.
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From the minute the band walk onto the stage it is clear From Eden To Exile are a force to be reckoned with. Their music is intense and fast paced, with heavy guitar riffs and pounding drums. The band have great stage presence, with each member completely focused on the music. The vocals are powerful and command attention. In addition Eden To Exile also have outstanding audience interaction. The singer frequently engaged with the crowd encouraging them to head-bang and giving out fist bumps. It’s an exhilarating live performance, showcasing a unique blend of metal and hard rock sounds.
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From sunny Blackpool we have Blacklist, the first of three thrash metal bands to play this evening. One of the newer bands on the bill, they hold their own along with the heavyweights. The guitars often take centre stage with a technique that can’t be faulted. Tyler Larkin’s vocals are often in a shouty style which gives some songs a punky vibe. Each member plays their part equally and as passionately as the next, the dedication is apparent. Blacklist are ones to watch and everyone will be interested in hearing more from them!
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Hellfekt are one of the heavier and darker bands of the evening in vocal style. Their blackened thrash metal are a welcomed addition to an already strong lineup. Liam Stubbs throaty screamo technique brings a brutality to the music which is already thunderous and barbarous in sound. Their ability to get the crowd going is faultless and they thrive on full audience participation.
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The aptly named Thrasherwolf are the eighth band to grace the stage. Although the day of music is slowly winding to a close that doesn’t stop the London based quintet from garnering a glowing reception from the crowd. The clue is in the name, these guys deliver thrash metal with thundering guitars and raw untamed vocals, occasionally switching it up to a slower but nonetheless still heavy tempo. With notable influences including Slayer they give their own spin on the classic genre while keeping true to their own.
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Originally from the East Midlands, four-piece Dethonator bring their melodic heavy metal in the penultimate performance of the evening. Featuring two guitarists, bass, and drums as well as keyboards they deliver a fantastic performance. These guys are seasoned pros, formed in 2009 with four albums under their belts, they bring with them their undeniable expertise and are a great example of what the UK heavy metal scene has to offer. Lead and backing vocalists Tris and Adz kept the fans hanging on every word and collectively they all deliver a set to be proud of.
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Krysthla once again secured a headline spot at Dogtallica following their previous performance in 2019. Wherever you are lucky enough to catch these guys be it on the mainstage at Bloodstock or on a smaller scale their high-energy blistering sets are not ones to be missed. Vocalist Adi Mayes has the crowd in the palms of his hand while he delivers guttural growls that feel as though they could tear the roof down with each breath. With their own brand of extreme heavy metal, they offer a mind-melting, adrenaline-inducing foray which is arguably the perfect parting gift to those in attendance at Dogtallica. The five-piece sound is a domineering one that owns whatever stage they land on. The festival may be in aid to protect the pups but the bands in attendance pack a ferocious bite. Krysthla guide new and old fans on a journey that will undeniably leave an impression as they effortlessly keep people on their feet windmilling their hair along with them.
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Each band brought something different and each set the bar high for future Dogtallica events. Paula Allen and her team have done the dogs, metal scene and fans proud. Here’s to the event turning into a two dayer in 2024!
Review by Aggy Gillon and Hayley Bordacs. Photos by Hayley Bordacs