To kick off today’s amazing line-up of metal acts; we have the foot stomping groove machine that is Ten by Ten [7/10]. Their blend of southern rock guitar lines mixed with Chris Ward’s larger than life voice really is a powerful force to behold, and despite there only being a handful of people present to enjoy this charging set, Ten by Ten gave 110% throughout their set, but especially in tracks ‘Keep Up With the Jones’ and ‘Jesus Road Trip’ proving that this small Bolton based band can bring the heavy metal thunder even without the mosh pit singer Chris demanded in their opening song.

Next off we have Afterdown [9/10] who get better and better with every show they do. Stealing the show, these Manchester based hard rock heroes smash a hole through Radcliffe Civic Centre opening with the amazing chat along ‘Brothers in Arms’ and pacing through a flawless set jammed with Afterdown classics such as ‘Lies’, ‘What Doesn’t Kill You Makes You Stronger’ and ‘Girls Got Class’. Their soaring duel guitar lines backed up by a ferocious rhythm section makes Afterdown the heaviest and loudest band of the day which can be seen especially in their two new tracks ‘The Devil Inside’ and ‘Obey’ which leave SOS festival wanting another set from this stunning live band as well as on edge for their upcoming new album.

Velvet Star’s [8/10] set takes a completely different path to the bands that have played so far. With a bassist obsessed with Metallica, a red headed guitar player who WILL be the next Slash and a singer whose onstage presence puts the likes of Marilyn Manson and Iggy Pop to shame, Velvet Star are in fact the only band that gets the crowd moving that day. Their take on sleazy punk rock is insane to watch live on stage, as the band members (minus drummer Ginna Rhodes) literally throw themselves about the stage with their instruments. With a selection of great songs and a huge female following – Velvet Star are on their way to becoming sleaze gods!

My heart weeps for Neonfly [6.5/10] as their usual fun filled, sing along AOR/Power metal anthems are ruined by technical gremlins. Despite only being able to play a 20 minute set due to all the problems prior to them coming on. Neonfly still manage to get the crowd: Moshing, pumping their fists in the air and singing along to amazing tracks like ‘Ship With No Sails’, ‘Stand Up and Fight’ and new track ‘The Messenger’. With singer Willie Norton jumping about the place like a toddler on energy drink and guitar players Frederick, Patrick and Paul head banging like mad men, you can tell that these guys love what they are doing, no matter what gets thrown in their way.

With next band Wizzard [6.5/10] you get the feeling that you have heard it all before. Their songs sound like Ozzy era Sabbath mixed with Dio era Rainbow with a spoon full on Motorhead thrown in to add a bit of edge to the music, and while this is a huge hit with the older generation of metal heads present, most of the young rockers seem to have wondered off to somewhere (Probably to Velvet Stars van Eh Eh). With a few good songs like ‘Vampires in the Valley’ and ‘Out of Control’, Wizzard manage to gain a few extra fans.

Unfortunately I missed Vega due to an interview with Attica Rage, so next up is Citizen Charlie [4/10] who apart from the very attractive front woman Charlie’s legs fails to impress really. With very patchy sound and Charlie trying extremely hard to sing her heart out but not being picked up over the very loud band, Citizen Charlie’s take on Evanescence and Joan Jett fails to impress SOS festival, despite how killer they sound on CD.

Last band of the day for me are the Scottish heavy metal masters, the mighty Attica Rage [8.5], who lay wreck to Radcliffe Civic Hall with a freight train jammed full of biker rock anthems. Starting on the brilliant track off of new album Road Dog - ’36 Insane’ gets Radcliffe head banging from start to finish, only to speed through a selection of HUGE sounding tracks like ‘Altered Reality’, ‘Back To the Old School’ and ‘Contradictions’ from the latest (album of the year) record. This set would have been absolutely perfect if there would have been a few more tracks off of ‘Ruin Nation’ rather than just the fist pumping, shout out loud ‘Dark City’. Bring in ‘Safe Inside’ and ‘Attica Rising’ and then Attica Rage will have the best live set ever! With flawless musicianship, powerful guitar riffs and the coolest bass player ever, Attica Rage proves that they are the kings of the Hard Rock genre and 2011 is there year to show the world what they are made of!

A great day, with great people and lot’s of great music. But alas SOS festival was over and as fans dispersed the hall with crooked necks, ringing ears and a belly full of beer; they look forward to the Joys of SOS festival 2012. One thing is for certain...... It will take a hell of a line up to beat this year’s stunning set of bands. Thanks for Mark Appleton [10/10] and Lynne Hampson [10/10] for putting on such a great weekend!