GODSIZED
UNDERWORLD, CAMDEN
UK riff-wielders reform for a friend in need
WHILE MANY BAND
reformations are concocted as cynically minded affairs, there is absolutely no doubting the authenticity for tonight’s one-off reformation of Godsized. With one of the band’s former crew member’s wife suffering with motor neurone disease, all proceeds from tonight’s show are going to a family very much deserving of it. While the reasons we are all here are clearly worthy, can a band who have not played live together in some time hold the attention for a mammoth two and a half hours over the course of two sets? In short, yes, they can, but it’s a little more complex than that.
The first half tonight, where Godsized play their 2015 Heavy Lies The Crown album in its entirety, is perfectly enjoyable. Songs like Fade are catchy enough in a Black label Society-esque Southern riffs-meets-Soundgardenstyle alt-rock kind of way, but the set never really raises itself above being perfunctory. The band reappear with different former members on guitar and drums, which gives Godsized a jet-fuelled rocket up their backsides.
Not only do they sound tighter, heavier and more confident, but the crowd are now absolutely losing their shit, to the point where, although in the scheme of the evening it’s fairly immaterial, you wonder why Godsized didn’t get more recognition within the classic rock scene the first time of asking. Ultimately, though, even though the band prove their quality this evening, just the fact that people are here tonight is a triumph for the spirit of metal and its community.