Scotland's Attica Rage hark back to an era when leather jackets were a way of life, not just a fashion accessory.
The promising four-piece have been on the circuit for a few years now, taking their no bullshit, turn up, plug in, shut up and play loud attitude to all corners of the UK. This was their first visit to the Welsh capital though, and their insanely loyal following was out in force.
With their live show honed from years of restless touring, Jonny, Ritchie, Stevie and Colin created a riff-fest mainly drawn from last year's '88mph' and 2011's 'Road Dog', two of their three studio albums. It's all here: big dirty riffs, pounding drums, soaring leads, shouted vocals and swaggering attitude.
There were also one or two heartfelt ballads scattered about, but the majority of the set was pure biker rock at its finest, bashed out with immense passion and honesty.
Cuts such as 36 Insane, Road Dog Forever, Ashamed and Back To The Old School kept heads banging and fists pumping but it's set closer, a metal as hell rendition of Crazy Horses, that really sent everyone over the top. A fantastic, if slightly weird, end to a night of balls to the wall rock n' roll.
Having supported and shared festival stages with heavyweights such as Judas Priest, Slash, Black Label Society, Down, Anthrax, WASP and Saxon among others, Attica Rage show real promise. The band head back to their native Glasgow on September 28 for a homecoming show which will be nothing short of immense.
Earlier in the evening, Swansea's Black Light Machine kicked off the show. Delivering their riff-driven heavy metal to the best of their ability, the guys were plagued by a few niggling technical problems to start with but still managed to turn in a damn fine opening set.
Another Swansea-based band were up next as Tidal made the short trip down the M4 to unleash the groove-laden hard rock sounds of debut album 'What Will Remain'. Frontman Adam Payne's superb voice, a tight rhythm section and some soaring solos made for a deafening set.
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