WHO: Sheer Terror
WHERE: The Well, Leeds

HOW'S THE HEAD/NECK/VOICE: fine/banged out/wraspy
MOOD: On top of the world

The Napalm Death/Iron Maiden ratio (fury of pits vs people singing along, each part out of 5): 3:2

Considering it's taken Sheer Terror 27 years to get to the UK, you'd of thought more people would have made an effort to learn their songs. As for pits, it seems they are one of the few hardcore bands left who are able to unite all of punks subgenres and for the duration of their set, punks, skinheads, hardcore kids and everyone inbetween gave Yorkshire that CBGB's vibe, all be it for an hour or so.

The Frets-On-Fire Factor: 2/5 Karl Sanders

Solos are exactly in Sheer Terror's repertoire, but there's still plenty of weight behind those crushing New York Hardcore riffs, which still kick arse after all this time.

The Superstar Quotient: 
30% Watain

Frontman Rev. Paul Bearer may share a resemblence with the band's bulldog mascot and from an outsiders perspective they may just seem like a bunch of old codgers playing hardcore, however there is much more than meets the eye. In hardcore terms, Sheer Terror probabaly equal Motorhead in terms of influence and longevity, with Bearer being NYHC's answer to Lemmy, who just can't hate enough.

The Grim Face/Smiley Face divide (AKA The Immortal/KISS Axis - out of 5): 4 Gene Simmons

In between songs, Bearer was cracking jokes and telling stories about their first trip to the UK, like why are programmes with sign language on late at night? Add in songs like 'Don't Hate Me 'Cause I'm Beautiful' and it's clear that Sheer Terror aren't the sort of band who take hardcore too seriously. Maybe when it's all over we can see the Paul Bearer spoken word tour.

The Lasting Impression

It may have taken them almost three decades to get their arse in gear and get to the UK, but it was well worth the wait. Cuts from 'Ugly And Proud' still sound killer after all this time and newer material such as 'Blue Shadows Will Fall' is some of the bands best work. With a new album on the horizon (finally!!), let's hope Sheer Terror don't make it another 27 years before their next UK show.