planetofzGod sized sounds are about to envelop The Borderline as Greek riff lords, Planet Of Zeus return to London after a brief string of dates across the U.K. There’s plenty of patriotic countrymen milling about to catch their heroes and a whiff of anticipation for what is sure to be a rip roaring Sunday night gig.

Wicked Stone get the party started with some dirty old school hard rock. With an air of Velvet Revolver they blast off with pure West Coast USA escapism. They’re a pretty tight unit and once loosened up there’s loads of grunt with some tidy lead guitar work from James Forrister ensuring the punters on hand are warmed up suitably. Generous helpings of GnR meets AC/DC groove makes for a good opening set and it’s a job well done with front man Joe Hawx clearly revelling in the moment.

Copenhagen’s Helhorse arrive on stage shirtless with not a hint of self-consciousness and waste no time in laying down some filthy NOLA inspired, Southern soaked rhythms. Snarling shared vocals roar over a bouncing blast of riffs that are pure sledgehammer. Driving keyboards add an extra dimension before a sweet Black Sabbath mixed with Motörhead style explosion. This is an impressive display full of passion and energy. With a set list containing crushers like “Fuck Art, Let’s Kill”, and “Black Weed” with its’ biting riffs, there are moments of unadulterated angst. Finishing off with the uncompromising “No Fucks Given”, they will surely have won over a new legion of fans.

Planet Of Zeus have earned themselves plenty of plaudits with their pure groove driven, Clutch style fury. Tonight is a no holds barred work out that’s completely infectious as they tour current album “Loyal To The Pack” (reviewed by Ave Noctum on 15/5/16). The title track kicks the set off with moments of cranked up ZZ Top sexiness with a butt load of swagger overloaded with Babis Papanikolaou’s throat tearing vocals creating a full on party atmosphere. The strong Greek contingent in the audience let loose impassioned chants between songs which adds to an already brilliant vibe. Searing versions of “Macho Libre” and “Little Deceiver” are well received and there’s plenty of demand for an encore. Finishing off with a Zeppelin-esque flurry, “Vanity Suit” puts the icing on the cake for a set from a band that has a confidence about them that’s hard not to like.

Well, that was a heady mix of all out rocking goodness. The Borderline proved to be the perfect venue tonight to blow out the cobwebs and it’s always satisfying to gather a couple more bands to follow on the gig circuit. Listening to Planet Of Zeus’ albums give a the impression that they’d be a solid live band. They certainly don’t disappoint.

(Johnny Zed)