2006 seems like a long time ago, and- granted- a lot of things have changed in the UK music scene since then. One part of 2006 that seems more than willing to be dragged, if not kicking then certainly screaming, into 2011 is Beecher.
Five years ago, the Mancunian quintet called it a day; ending on a high with a sold out, sweaty, home town show, with over 100 people turned away on the night. It was a send off befitting of a band that notched up achievement after achievement, amassing an army of fans along the way.
After the underground success of their first EP ‘Resention Is A Big Word In A Small Town’ (2002, In At The Deep End Records), the band set off to Godcity studio in Boston, Mass. Under the watchful eye of Kurt Ballou (Converge, Cave In, Torche, Trap Them), Beecher laid down the tracks that would make up ‘Breaking The Fourth Wall’ (2003, Calculated Risk Products). With artwork supplied by Aaron Turner (Isis, Hydrahead Industries), their debut album was met with widespread critical acclaim (4K- Kerrang, 8/10 Rocksound, 8/10 Metal Hammer, 8/10 Terrorizer).
Whilst courting the affections of several record labels, Beecher took to the stage up and down the country, and indeed across the continent, taking in a Radio One Rock Show live session along the way. On the impressive list of bands they shared a bill with are Isis, Killswitch Engage, The Dillinger Escape Plan, The Locust, Cult Of Luna, Melt Banana, Norma Jean Poison The Well, Converge and countless other notable names.
Eventually, Beecher signed to extreme record label pioneers Earache who duly rereleased ‘Breaking The Fourth Wall’ worldwide, which paved the way for the sophomore album. Once again returning to Kurt Ballou’s safe hands, ‘This Elegy, His Autopsy ‘was recorded at Godcity, and once again the album was released to a rapturous response from the press and fans alike. However, just months after the album was released, Beecher collectively decided to call time on the band.
Fast-forward five years and the comeback show at the Star & Garter in Manchester sold out within a day, forcing an upgrade to a bigger venue. So, times may have changed somewhat, but there is still more than enough room for the rock juggernaut that is Beecher.
