Rock The Barn started out as a memorial for Moriary and the Sith’s vocalist who passed away around a year ago. The idea was to pay respect in the most appropriate and imaginative way that friends and band members could think of. The result was a unique event that has lasted a year now, showcasing new north east talent every month whilst creating opportunities to make friends and enjoy music in a completely different environment. It is a place for people who really appreciate the diversity of music to come together and share experiences in a fun, new and exciting way.

On the grey drizzly Sunday that was the finale of this month’s events, it was sad to see that only a few pitched tents remained. Unaware of the evenings proceedings and how truly incredible they were to be, the tired and hung-over masses flocked home for warm baths and comfy slippers. If only they had a bit more stamina they would have witnessed an evening that defied any odds and well and truly (with the risk of sounding overly cheesy) Rocked The Barn!

Only two bands were to play on this cold and wet Sunday evening, Melodic Thrashers, A Thousand Lies, and local Black Metal legends, Wodensthrone. Sound checks were a welcome relief after hours of shiveringly bitter cold and nothing to do for entertainment, except good old beer of course.

First up were A Thousand Lies who rose to challenge of playing in a barn in front of an insultingly small crowd and owned the stage without a struggle. Brilliant harmonic guitar work and harsh melodic vocals made an astounding combination no matter how muffled the sound or acoustics. The whole band seemed to use all the reasons why this (in theory) would have been a crap gig, as aggression and determination to make it the exact opposite. And that they did.

Next up was Wodensthrone who were so in touch with the atmosphere and dynamics the cold leaky barn looked progressively more like the perfect venue. The acoustics were, as expected, not superb, but the chillingly ethereal and reverberated sound encapsulated Wodensthrone’s style and, if anything, actually heightened the entire sound. The whole set was nothing short of hypnotising and a surprise cover of Slayer’s Raining Blood actually sparked the slightest of movements in the minute crowd. An achievement indeed.

All in all, a brilliant night, well worth waiting around in the rain for. It’s just a shame that there were not many ears to hear it all. I hope to see this festival grow from strength to strength as it really does represent what Manifesto stands for.

www.myspace.com/rockthebarn