So House of Lords are touring the UK promoting new album, ‘Come To My Kingdom’ and being a bit of a fan it was beholding of me to check em’ out.  Now I’ve seen HoL every time they’ve played the UK, going back to the first album but this current line-up is the dog’s bollocks as far as I’m concerned.  I’d already seen them a few days earlier at Z Rock in Birmingham and was once again mightily impressed and wanting to support the local rock scene I dutifully turned up to see em’ in Newcastle. 

Before the gig I was under the impression the 3 bands were going to be playing the big room in Legends, so it came as a bit of a surprise to find they were going to be playing the much more intimate, smaller room.  The reason for this was obvious, where once Newcastle was a major force on the scene, only the hardy few bother to turn up for gigs these days (shame on those not there). 

Now little did I know when I walked in, that the evening was going to be up close and personal for me, but more on that later.  I had come armed with pad, pen and camera but I must be jinxed when it comes to taking pics at gigs, the batteries ran out of juice 3 pics in and the spares I’d grabbed on the way out were dud as well.  So apologies for my total incompetence. 

Anyway, onto the evening at hand and first up were Vendetta, who were originally supposed to be second on the bill but apparently drum configurations weren’t conducive tonight.  Now even though I know 3 members of this band very well from years past I didn’t know any of their songs, so this was going to be virgin territory we were entering.  They kicked off their set with 'Fire At Will' and straight away I noticed the PA wasn’t doing the band any justice whatsoever, but you couldn’t disguise the 80’s metal emanating from the stage and some great guitar histrionics during the solo.

Next up, I think, was a song called 'All Fall Down' and guitarist/vocalist Ed Box was pulling off some George Lynch riffing during this one.  The band played a song off their new album, which came across very Priest-like and I do like a bit of Priest.  Gary on bass and Lee on drums nailed the rhythm while the guitars buzz-sawed the brain.  The band were only playing 30 mins and pretty soon we were onto the last song and best in show 'I, Executioner' and some brutal Pantera riffing and a fret-board burning solo. 

Now I’d heard of Sheffield ragamuffins Silverjet but had never heard any of their material, so more virgin territory to be explored.  They walked on stage looking like LA Strip rejects and proceeded to launch into some very polished glam/sleaze tunes.  The band were tight and pulled of some rather good T.Rex/Faster Pussycat style songs. The PA had suddenly acquired a new lease of life, making songs like 'Hell Yeah' and 'Won’t See Me Bleeding' best in show.  I did feel their style wasn’t right for the evening’s shenanigans but I have to admit, they are damn good at what they do and I think they may even have made a few new fans tonight. 

And so onto the main event, House of Lords for the first time in Newcastle and I positioned myself at the front of the stage to get some pics (all to no avail of course).  The intro to 'Sahara' quietly emanated from the PA and Jimi Bell stepped to his mic and said louder and the sound guy cranked it up, at which point my ears went “oh shit”, but it seemed Jimi may have meant he wanted his monitors louder. 

So “HEY YOU” and we’re off, the two guys to my left and right immediately get down to some serious head-banging while the band thunder through 'Sahara', James was on top form vocally, Matt McKennal threw some shapes as he pummeled his bass, BJ Zampa sat at the back effortlessly beating the crap out of the kit and the maestro that is Jimi Bell burned up the fret-board.  

Now I can’t remember all the songs they played, I gave up after 'Sahara' as the 2 guys next to me hardly let up on the head-banging throughout, so it was impossible to take notes, but the setlist was like a best of HoL.  The set featured 17 songs including 'Pleasure Palace', 'I Wanna Be Loved', 'Love Don't Lie' and 'Slip Of The Tongue' from the debut album. 

As well as the title track from 'Sahara' we got 'Chains of Love' (wished they’d do 'Shoot' sometime though), but 'Can't Find My Way Home' had to be left out as the desk wasn't getting a signal from James guitar.  We got 'Ain’t Talkin’ Bout Love' from 'Demons Down'.  From 'World Upside Down' there was 'These Are The Times', 'I’m Free', 'Rock Bottom' and 'SOS', and from 'Come To My Kingdom', the title track 'I Don’t Wanna Wait All Night', 'Another Day In Heaven', 'Perfect World' and 'One Foot In The Dark'.  An absolute stormer of a setlist. 

Amidst all this rock n’ roll majesty we were treated to a BJ Zampa drum solo, who was playing along to a keyboard sample, much better than your normal run of the mill drum solos, the man makes playing the drums seem effortless.  We were also treated to a truly blistering Jimi Bell guitar solo, burning the fret-board so fast I thought he may need water pouring on his fingers afterwards.  He makes other guitar players seem pedestrian at times. 

Now considering their current hectic touring schedule across the UK and Europe, with very few days off, James vocals were outstanding, powerful and soaring throughout.  New boy Matt McKenna comes across as a younger version of that well-known ladies man Marco Mendoza.  He was throwing shapes throughout the set and he has a constant smile on his face.  The whole band seem to enjoy being onstage and that feeling transfers to the crowd. 

Now I mentioned earlier that I didn’t realise how up close and personal tonight would be for me. Well, during 'Pleasure Palace' (a fave tune I was bellowing along to). James stepped from the low stage, singing the song 6 inches in front of me then thrusting the mic in my face to sing the chorus, THE highlight of my night and month, thank you very much that man!! Must remember to give him a bottle of wine next time they play in the UK. 

Now the band were hanging around after the show to chat and sign stuff but unfortunately, I had to leave straight away but my night had already been a blast.  So there you have it people, House of Lords have decimated venues across our shores once again and I have yet to see them do a bad show.  If you get the opportunity to see em', do so, you'll come away with a smile on your face.