VICTORY OR DIE/BAD ACTRESS/THOSE MADE BROKEN - Xmas Bash 2025, Dreadnought Rock, Bathgate

Opening the night on a three band bill were Those Made Broken from Glasgow who brought a very new alternative metal sound, it was not what I expected but the songs were very much in the style of Korn or Bring Me the Horizon with a melodic twist, an entertaining opening 40mins and certainly made me check out their spotify links for another listen. The newest single is certainly well worth checking out as it merges the heavy alternative sound with melodic vocals.  

Next up we had young rockers Bad Actress although given they burst onto the scene is 2018 maybe not so young any more. Its been a tough road as they just began to gain traction and then along came covid, line up changes have also given the boys troubles to overcome when Toby decided to leave earlier this year. This prompted drummer Lui so step forward and take on the frontman role and this was my first time seeing the band since. WOW what else can I say, his talents were being wasted behind the drumkit, for all the world like a young Steven Tyler he brings a whole new dimension to the songs new and old.

The boys have an infectious energy about them, they love being on that stage big or small and have some great 80's sounding songs to back it up. The newest song Feel My Pain is certainly and emotional one for the band detailing the struggles life can bring. Lets hope 2026 continues too see the boys build on a reputation for good time rock. 

Its been some year for Victory or Die, a band born in the Rainbow Bar and Grill under the statue of Lemmy with an idea to just play Rock and Roll the way the great man himself did, boy do they pull it off. Its loud its heavy its full of riffs, did I mention its LOUD. Kicking off with New Rock Revolution the Motorhead influence is immediate, you can just imagine Lemmy standing stage center belting this out. Next comes Hang the DJ, we can't be sure about the reasons behind Zoe Ball quitting her radio show but you never know :-). I Lose Control takes on a much heavier vibe live than the original single version. 

There is never any let up in the straight forward punching you in the face sound for the full twelve song set. We get the full repertoire tonight, Brian stands legs so far apart they are in different time zones, Andypaws oozing guitar hero sexiness, Jason and his voice of many talents and Carlos and his big “gong” which he bashes with fervor. 

Whilst there was a decent number in attendance it could have been more, this is where music is, small independent venues putting on real bands, we simply must get out and support them or where do we go?  Lets make 2026 the year of Keeping Rock Alive, get out and attend the shows, buy the merch and keep these guys making excellent music.