Saving Strike are a 4 piece punk-rap band (I know it sounds like an unhealthy alliance, but its actually great fun) from the South East of the UK, who put on an energetic live show with music to match. They like to blend sounds from bands such as Limp Bizkit, Forever the Sickest Kids and Zebrahead. After reaching the final of the Gospel Rock talent search in 2010 and releasing their first single 'Get Up', the band have been taking crowds around the UK by surprise. Even though the crowd at the Underground stage had diminished significantly, the lads were not going to let this stop themselves from putting on a great show. I did wonder what I was letting myself in for, when Eddie Rose (vocals) took to the stage in a sparkly High School Musical t-shirt and shorts combo. Here was a front-man who didn't take himself seriously and was intent on injecting some good-humoured buffoonery into the proceedings. Who else on the metal stage was going to encourage the crowd to do the chicken dance! They also threw in some blatant lyrics "Demon crushing (You wont take us alive) / Demon crushing (We will never die) / Demon crushing (We will never break) / Demon crushing (We will save the lives you take)". Along with Matt Barnes (guitar & vocals) they managed to pull through and win the crowd over

The Greenbelt press team seemed to think that Conduit only appeared at the festival for the first time last year. Obviously, they never venture into the Underground venue, otherwise they might recognise that they have been here many times before. They released their first full-length album last year 'Fear For Those Who Missed It' which combined the youthful exuberance of Paramore with the time changes of Biffy Clyro. They have matured into a post-hardcore rock outfit and continue to evolve in a melodic direction with more emphasis on clear vocals by Dave Boyle. Here they took the opportunity to open with a new song, currently titled 'Deception'. The chorus lifts with 'You don't have to feel this way / Because I know, because I know there's an answer / Life has a purpose and you're worth everything to me / Your worth everything to me'. They also included 'Seize The Day', 'I Am The Moth' and 'Look To The Skies' from their album. Then there was another new song 'Outstretched Arms', which has been released as a video single to promote the expected new album. It contains a message of hope "What was once lost will now be found / Tears can be replaced by grace / Your heart, once dead, will be revived / Replacing this mess inside" as they share their faith.

Malokai have seen a revamp of the band since last year with Alex Greig (vocals) and "G" Suaznabar (bass) being joined by Dave Williams (drums) and livewire Andy Bell (guitar). The band have also relocated from London to Manchester as they are working with The Message Trust in Manchester, which involves going into schools and sharing their faith. It has also seen their style change into a more mainstream accessible pop punk. Andy Bell (ex-Crave) is an asset to any band that he appears on stage with, as he throws himself into his performances and rips out some scorching riffs. Their set mainly consisted of the infectiously bouncy new tracks 'Heart Beats', 'What's Inside' and 'You'. However, what most people will remember is their rocked up version of Jessie J's 'Price Tag'. Its lyrics mirror what everyone must be realising "Why is everybody so obsessed / Money can't buy us happiness / Can we all slow down and enjoy right now / Guarantee we'll be feeling alright". Expect to see a new album appearing from them soon.

MONDAY HM SESSIONS

I had been wondering who Myth of Ben were, and if they actually existed! After all, there was scant information available leading up to Greenbelt, as they had no online presence. You can now find a facebook page for them if you are willing to spend your time searching for it. They are a newly formed alt-rock outfit from Clapham, South London, which are still in the throes of settling into their new line-up. It consisted of Stephen Acuña (vocals & guitar), Danny Pule (guitar), Paul Piers (bass) and Marley McVey (drums). What most people didn't know was that this was their first ever gig, so they shouldn't be judged too harshly. So whilst they didn't grab the audience's attention, they did hold their nerve and put in a reasonable performance. 'Chasing Amy' points to futilely chasing unrealistic dreams. Whilst 'Questions' is full of yearning with "If we could go back in time / We would read all the signs / We would redraw the lines / With nothing more left to say / I'm on my knees and I pray / For you to stay". They only performed four songs, but pulled them off with some shimmering guitar parts.

It is instantly apparent that Risen From Ruins have been putting in a shed load of practising since I'd last seen them. They have a classic hard rock sound that edges towards metal territory with progressive keyboards. The band consists of Ian Jervis (lead vocals & guitar), Ed Jervis (guitar & backing vocals), Lisa Jervis (keyboard & vocals), Danielle Jervis (bass) and Tom Brookes (drums). One of their characteristics is that they always seek to excel and are not content in merely being onstage, they want to own it. You could almost see the sparks flying from the scorching fretwork wrenched from Ed and Ian's shared leadership as they rip though ¨Raise your hands in victory / Step across the line / Come on now, hold on tight / and get ready for the ride of your life / We're Flying High". One of my favourites is the stunning worship song "Halleuyah" which recognises that whilst we may face crushing moments of despair in our lives, there is a God that cares for us. This may sound glib, but there is power behind those words that holds true. This track is on their new album "You Are Far More Powerful Than You Have Been Led To Believe!" and it still sends shivers down my spine.

The Origin is a post- hardcore band, from Somerset, that incorporates some screamo elements. Francesca Payne (lead vocals) is joined by Neil Banks (bass & screams), Ash Jones (guitar) and Al King (drums). They partnered with Risen Records to release their 'Into The Light' EP in early 2011, which was produced/mixed by Alex Greig (Malokai). Both Francesca's flame-haired appearance and their musical style instantly made you think of Paramore. They also tap into that teenage angst in their lyrics, like in 'Goodbye' with its chorus of "I think I've heard enough, don't you / of the lies you told too many times before / I think you've said enough, don't you? / 'cause I do". Yet again the sound engineers managed to mess up as they reduced Neil's screams to a barely audible level. They performed a new song alongside 'No Time Like The Present', 'Lights' and saved their video single 'Ghosts' for last. "Five days have passed and still nothing new / everything fades in to one / five days have passed / there's no turning back / we are just ghosts / This is the calm before the storm".

Having last seen Rising From Death at the Meltdown conference in April this year, I was expecting great things. Not only have they settled into their new line-up, but also Chris (Sarge) Derry has embraced the straight edge lifestyle to great effect. Part of his testimony is how his faith coupled with straight edge helped him conquer his alcoholic addiction. And it also features heavily in their lyrical content. The comically titled, 'Straight Edge Is For Life, Not Just For XXXMas', belies its serious message "This is no fashion / Just pure edge pride / I don't need you / Not one little bit / This is my life / I'll live it free / This is my life / I'll live it free / Poison free / Is for me". However, Sarge was suffering from a cold and had lost his voice, meaning that he couldn't really contribute backing vocals. The performance was further marred by lead vocalist, John Derry, losing his voice towards the end of the set. This meant that 'A Call To Glory' wasn't as rousing as it was meant to be.