Metalworks knew it was going to be a special night with Melodic Death Metal band Sanguinem opening for Metalworks before they go off to play at Bloodstock this Sunday. Metalworks alumni Richie Faulkner also joined last Sunday at The Underworld in Camden.
Metalworks – The Underworld, Camden
6 August 2023
Words and Photography: Sally Newhouse
Metalworks is Camden’s long-standing rock and Metal institution, featuring original and rock-themed opening acts, followed by a covers set performed by London musicians and rock pedigree alike.
Sanguinem
Sanguinem members Geos Letona and George GT Stergiou are well-known to Metalworks, being part of the band for many years now. 
Lit only by deathly red light and an overload of fog, The Underworld lived up to its name when descending to the stage area. Sanguinem (Latin for ‘Blood’) played a blinder of a set, performing tunes from their debut album Solitude, opening with After Dead Visions, followed by Demons and No Hope.
We wish them luck as they go off to Bloodstock to play the aptly named New Blood Stage this Sunday at midday. If you are going to the festival, make sure you don’t miss them. 
Steff Vox, AKA The Colonel, founder of Metalworks nearly 30 years ago, then took the helm with his band to continue the night with a set of Heavy Metal and a few classic rock numbers thrown in.
Richie Faulkner
Guests always join the band during the night to perform, and last Sunday was no exception. 
However, a huge surprise to all watching was when Steff called former Metalworks guitarist Richie Faulkner, now of Judas Priest, to the stage, with his old friend Cobalt Stargazer (Zodiac Mindwarp And The Love Reaction).
The pair blasted through covers from AC/DC and Motörhead.
Later, Richie returned to the stage to play some Ozzy Osbourne, Black Sabbath, Iron Maiden and Judas Priest songs, including Breaking The Law.
Was it a busman’s holiday for him? Nah! He clearly loved every moment back home playing the classics with Steff.
Metalworks are back at The Underworld on Bank Holiday Sunday, 27 August, and it’s free entry as always. More information can be found on the Metalworks Facebook page or The Underworld website nearer the time.
Richie first played with Metalworks in 1994 when he was just 14 years old, and his talent clearly stood out even at that young age. Other band members were Tony Parsons (ex-Iron Maiden) and Les Binks (Judas Priest).
Richie was part of Metalworks for two years before going off to Sweden for four years. He returned to London and played with Metalworks alongside bassist Davey Rimmer (Uriah Heep) for the next ten years.
Richie has recently toured Europe with a new side project, Elegant Weapons, which reunited him musically with Davey Rimmer on bass.
Judas Priest are back on tour next year.
Sanguinem
JP Lethal – Vocals
George GT Stergiou – Guitar
Marcus Hadjithoma – Guitar
Geos Letona – Bass, James Wise – Drums
Catch Sanguinem on Facebook here.
Metalworks
Steff Vox – Vocals
Richie Faulkner – Guitar
George GT Stergiou – Guitar
Steve Parsons – Bass
Chris Burgham – Keys
James Wise – Drums
Catch Metalworks on Facebook here.
geart