Brighton now has its very own metal festival "Mammothfest" and from the response its clear this is just the beginning!

With the closure of 5 venues in the past year (Hobgoblin, Freebutt, Providence, Pressure point and Engine rooms) no less, paving the way for another hyper-super-duper-fast-but-expensive-(forget about local businesses)-market or bistro bar its no doubt the metal scene was holding its breath on the arrival and success of Mammothfest 2010 and what a way to start!

Mammothfest quickly became a ray of light in a darkening metal city, it gave people hope that despite current venue closures there is still an amazing array of hungry bands, promoters and dedicated fans keen to make Brighton the mecca for new forms of metal and Mammothfest was the vehicle for this new message.

Early floods of wild metal head boars descended on the Hove centre for what was to be a historic day in Brighton and Hove carrying their message of their passion for metal and determination to ensure the metal scene continues to thrive despite the current challenges Brightons music scene currently harbours.

By 4pm, 600 people from as far as Holland and Glasgow had arrived and were hell bent on destroying the nice laminate flooring the venue had to offer, Beholder, Abgott, Mutant and Ted Maul all smashing the main stage to mass roar as the crowd held their horns up to the ear bleeding music - just how we like it! The beast of Mammothfest was alive...

Then came the sad news of Breed 77s drummer, he had just broken his toe back stage and so the band were unable to play. This, following all their equipment being stolen from their tour van only 2 days before and borrowing equipment to play meant a massive dissapointment to everyone, not more the band themselves who seemingly ran out of luck the moment they set foot on their tour bus a week before. It doesnt matter who you are, shit happens and when it rains...Our hearts go out to them all.

But in true British metal spirit the show must go on with the mighty Xerath moving over to the main stage to replace Breed 77 in a swift moment that proved to be deadly, again the momentum returned!

From here Furyon, Godsized, Cilice, Malefice, Sylosis, Orange Goblin and the even heavier weight champions Entombed proceeded to desecrate the venue and its fans right up until the imminent closure leaving an eagre crowd desperately keen to find out when the next Mammothfest will be and who will be headlining this time!? (Early speculation includes Meshuggah, Exodus and or Fear Factory although nothing is apparently set yet)

Lets make this clear, metal is here in Brighton and is far bigger than you may think especially when you consider the Mammothfest team went up against the massive media machines of Sharon & Ozzy osbourn and "Ozzfest" in London on the same day. Its a TestamenT to the support from the scene and the hard work and dedication the Mammothfest team have in making this event happen despite all odds! To be honest, most people thought it would fail but how pleased we are it didnt!

Now comes the crucial time of what were their losses, can they turn this around and make a second happen? I hope so.

Only the Mammothfest team know but if you wish to show your support then you can email - info@mammothfest.co.uk - to let the team know you are out there, you want it again and who you want playing!

I raise my glass to Mammothfest 2010 and cant wait to see what the future no holds!

Jake Pike 
A metal fan in Brighton 
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