British Lion + Voodoo Six + Airforce - Tuesday 17th January 2023, Dover Booking Hall

Voodoo Six are next, starting their set with a pummelling Falling Knives. For a band that released an album called Songs to Invade Countries To, there’s certainly something confrontational in the way Tony Newton brandishes his bass, wielding it like a weapon. Not to mention vocalist Nik Taylor-Stoakes telling us if we don’t like the next song then ‘f**k us’! It’s all good fun though, rock music with balls, the way nature intended; a grooving, riff heavy beast with songs that really stick.

For British Lion, having a member of Iron Maiden in the band must be both a blessing and a curse. On the one hand, there is more interest than there would ever ordinarily be, but expectations are high and of course, detractors point out they wouldn’t get as much attention without Steve Harris playing the bass. It’s unfortunate because like or not, you can’t help but draw comparisons and, since there is very little resemblance to Maiden, you’re immediately thrown off. 

But there’s no mistaking that thundering bass, and the packed out room seemingly vibrates with excitement as Steve Harris and co take to the stage. Starting with the grungy This Is My God, it’s apparent that these songs translate better live than on record. It also helps that the evening is dominated by tracks from latest album The Burning, a real step up from the debut. There are more hooks, better choruses and some wonderful moments that generate real excitement. The title track is the closest the band get to a killer song, with its memorable guitar riff and soaring refrain that incites much punching of the air. Bible Black is also a standout, disarmingly heavy and a showcase for Simon Dawson’s impressive drumming. Spit Fire with its galloping riff gets the audience jumping and highlights the stellar guitar work of Grahame Leslie and David Hawkins which is never less than compelling. 

Vocalist Richard Taylor has been recipient of some of the harshest criticism, but is a surprisingly intense frontman, acting out every word of these songs with real feeling. His voice is not necessarily what you expect from a metal singer, but there is a unique power that helps songs like Lightning really soar. 

For me, the set feels a little too long but I don’t think it’s a sentiment shared by many. I’m not sure British Lion have yet written the song that everyone is waiting for at the end of the night. Instead, they sign off with Eyes of the Young from their debut; a solid rock song but not the most memorable. British Lion clearly have a lot to offer - I hope that time allows them to really roar.