HECK, Nottingham’s answer to the 2010’s hardcore punk scene, have had a career almost as violently unpredictable as their music and performances are. After announcing their disappearance without any explanation back in 2017, the band would take to the stage at ArcTanGent Festival for the last time… apparently. But just like all great breakups – think LCD Soundsystem, Guns n Roses, or maybe even the Spice Girls – they probably won’t last as long as you may think. The band have recently taken back to their socials and announced their appearance at 2000 Trees Festival this Friday (July 8th). You can find ticket information for the festival, here.
HECK’s history has been no stranger to publicity in the few years they were in the public eye. In 2015, the group were sued by Japanese film company Toho over their original band name, “Baby Godzilla”. Obviously, it’s hard to argue the case when they own the copyright to a character literally called “Baby Godzilla” (or Godzilla Junior in a few places, but the point remains the same) so they became HECK to avoid the lawsuit causing any real damage. Once the change settled, they released their debut LP Instructions. The album was particularly reminiscent of early Dillinger Escape Plan, or even some more grindcore-esque names like Napalm Death. But the timeline didn’t extend much farther than that. The split came the following year, and no one really knows why.
“It means the damn world that so many of you are still here for this band. Thank you for your patience. Smashing will resume this Friday. Big love to one and all.” Reads the band’s returning statement. After 5 years off, the wordless surprise return goes to show that some things aren’t really meant to change. No answers. All we can do at this point is hope that some more information comes to light. Why did they go? Why are they back? Does this mean there’s new music? Will we hear it at 2000 Trees? We may never know.
After slowly but surely releasing the full line-up for the 2022 round of the Cheltenham music festival, 2000trees may have finally revealed the fact that this is the full list. Set for July 6-9, the festival announced its headlining acts – Jimmy Eat World, Turnstile, and IDLES – back in October 2021. You Me At Six, Nova Twins and Twin Atlantic, come highest up the bill in terms of new inclusions back in March. But features like; Boston Manor, Kenny Hoopla, Angel Du$t, Heavy Lungs, and many more cement 2000trees as one of the UK’s great alternative festivals at the moment.
