IT takes a band with guts to decide that their first gig is going to be at one of the town's biggest live music events.

For the past seven months, Bladen have been preparing for their debut. But no low-key appearances for them, the six-piece decided that the first chance the world should have to see them perform would be at this weekend's metal Massacre.

So what are they hoping to get out of their high-profile start?

"We want to get a lot of people interested in what we do and just enjoy it really," says drummer Tom Taylor. "There's some brilliant bands on the bill, some really, really good bands."

And there's probably nowhere better to do it than the boys' home-town of Bolton, acknowledged to be one of the best towns for metal bands in the North.

"The metal scene in Bolton is a lot better than most other places in the UK," says Tom. "There's not really that many new faces around, but there are some really good bands among them. We put on a lot of gigs here and they're well attended - it's a lot better to start a band or be ina band here than a lot of other places."

Singer Si Parker adds: "There are a lot of other local places, but people come to Bolton. I was talking to a band from Rochdale in the Alma and they were like, God, this is amazing.'"

The band, which is completed by guitarists Simon Tickner, Dani Corlett and Stephen Hart, and bassist Peter Chamberlain, are made up of the remnants of numerous other notable metal bands, including IOAF, Phantom, Cerebral Autopsy and Icarus Falls.

And having all been in the local scene for a while, they are full of praise for the bands they will be sharing a stage with come Sunday.

Tom says: "It's nine bands for five quid, and three of those I think are signed - and the one of those I've heard, Strain, are amazing. The others are all really well established bands. Basically, you've got a lot of the best talent that's coming out of the Bolton metal scene around this gig."

Si adds: "We feel privileged to be on the same stage as them, but we will hold our own, definitely."

Metal Massacre 5, is on Sunday April 8, at The Soundhouse, doors open 4pm. Tickets cost £5, and are available from the Albert Halls Box Office, or by ringing 01204 334400 or 07890 930707.

For a full preview of Metal Massacre 5, and for more interviews with bands on the bill, get your copy of 24:7 free with The Bolton News, this Friday.