A true DIY event born out the ashes of Northern Darkness Festival by local promoters ‘Kin Hell Fest, Bro(UK) Promotions and Omega Warfare Records.  Essentially completely “Crowd Sourced” via Facebook, with even the name of the Festival itself being decided on from a whole manner of ridiculous suggestions referencing / taking the mick out of Newcastle, however eventual moniker Byker Grave was always a clear winner as soon as it was suggested.

Being a Northern Darkness refugee with Hotel & transport booked, fellow TMA scribe Alex and I decided to make the trek as neither of us have been to the Land Of Geordies and safe to say probably ended up having more fun than we would have had at the original event!

So after exploring what Newcastle has to offer on a Saturday (mainly the inside of The Head Of Steam Pub, it transpires) and seeing it live up to the stereotypes, Sunday sees the hangovers shaken off and a casual wander down the quayside (they like their bridges!) to the venue which in itself is pretty cool with neon lights, loud PA and various walls decorated with old vinyl and the obligatory unexpected man selling sweets in the toilets?

Live Burial kicked of proceedings at 2pm with blasting Death Metal and get bonus points for getting into the spirit of the event with the band dressing in Newcastle themed outfits, particularly notable was guitarist Richard dressed up in full “blind PJ” mode.

Repulsive Vision grinding Death Metal was somewhat hindered by the fire alarms going off (there’s a pun there somewhere).

The first band to properly shake the day into life is No Fucks Given who are the first band to lay down a marker for Performance Of The Day with an incredible Grindcore set amplified by the performance of the vocalist who spends most of his time amongst the crowd members.  Not bad for a début show!

After some more blasting Death Metal from Horrified it’s the remorselessly slow and crushing filthy sludge of Khunnt who provide the one change of pace in a day of relentless riffs, and are brilliant in their own right.

Although officially headliners, Hellkrusher are placed about half way on the line up due to other commitments (The Damned are playing down the road apparently) and despite being 20 years older than the other bands on the bill, come out firing on all cylinders with an absolutely riproaring set of Crust Punk that goes down a storm.

Equally proficient performances from the Black Metal of Ninkharsag and Primitive Graven Image, as well as slamming Death of Scordatura, ensure the night doesn’t start petering out at any point, but it’s the last band of the evening Foetal Juice that ensure Byker Grave finishes with a bang as they proceed to wrap up proceedings with a very loud and very heavy set of crushing Death Metal.

My hearty thanks and recommendations to the organisers for putting this event on at short notice and for everyone else in attendance making this dirty Southerner feel welcome!

Same time again next year then?