This is the main event and if there's another performance after this one is over then that's a bonus. For the sake of (murdered Lancashire woman) Sophie Lancaster then I hope I'm not the only one hoping there is more after this.

Twenty one years old and her life ahead of her. Taken in an act of mindless violence and all because of the way she looked and dressed. The mentality of some people goes beyond comprehension.

But with all this, the other side of human nature comes into play. People rally round in times of need and this was no different. Memorial gigs have been played all over the UK and Ireland to raise money and awareness of this horrific event.

The 7th June 2008 saw seven bands descend on Mansfield Intake Leisure Club to play to the memory of Sophie. Unfortunately, I missed the first two acts (V-Twin and Helliquin) and came in just as Screams of Cold Winter were about to take the stage.

Hailing from Lancashire, the reason for this gig will have had added meaning and they played a set fitting for a tribute. Although not the most energetic of bands musically, they were tight and together.

Vocally the singer was scarily close to Julianne Regan of All About Eve with tinges of Amy Lee of Evanescence. Sounding very industrial with the emphasis on heavy guitars without drowning out the keyboards.

An excellent set which could have benefitted from more movement, but then seeing the shoes the singer was wearing it may have been in her best interests not to jump around.

Next up, Electra Glide from Manchester. What SOCW lacked visually, Electra Glide more than made up for. You just couldn't keep this band still if you tried.

Carol Hodge was all over the place and putting on an impressive show. Displaying signs of a faster paced Souixsie & The Banshees, slightly gothic Bjork and a touch of Electro 6 in places, Elctra Glide were tight and tense.

Hodges was almost tranced at times and scary in her delivery, which in turn almost hypnotised the crowd. To be fair, most would have been too scared not to watch and take in this energetic performance.

A little closer to home came local Nottingham/Mansfield proper head bangers Keltic Jahid. Double bass and thrashy guitar led throughout complemented with the clean melodic voice of young Holly Bolus who gives the band that edge.

The mix of her singing voice and heavy almost death metal backing vocals add extremes to the sound. Tight throughout, these guys gave a brilliant account of themselves.

The backline of Jones on drums and Boston on Bass never missed a beat, keeping the timing to a max. Overall, a great mix which many would frown upon.

Keltic Jahid are a thrash band. Of that there's no margin for argument. But then Holly sings and they're not just a thrash band anymore because she isn't a thrash vocalist.

She doesn't scream or growl. She sings and that's what give this band that added extra over many thrash bands I've seem locally over the years.

The penultimate band were Evil Scarecrow. Look at the name and you immediately think something could well be amiss. You'd be right. Like a horror b-movie which has more than a tongue in cheek approach.

Actually it's more like there's a gaping wound in the cheek and the blood soaked tongue is sticking well and truely through. Looking like they were taken under the wing of GWAR and Lordis fashion advisor, this Nottingham-based horror metal band keeps your attention both in a musical and "what the hell!!" grip.

This is car crash music. Musically almost Maiden-esque in places with solos which would sit very much at home in Dave Murray's early collection. Rather unorthadox at times, diving all over the place in an alomost marylin Manson stylee.

Vocally though, they have that typical metal ruffness and growl bordering on thrash but, again, quite Marylin Manson at times. The keyboards add that horror flick feel which sits well with the look of the band, strangely enough.

Are they to be taken serious? I really don't know. With an album entitled "Crowcifiction" it would seem not and some decidedly obscure lyrics which make you wonder.

They're extrememly tight and damn good at what they do, which shows the commitment. An enjoyable set, but if you see them don't stand too close. There's a possible danger of possession.

Finaly the headliners. Pro-jekt are definitely more melodic that the previous few bands with a more dance lead approach. Moody and entrancing they have a Minestry edge to them with a touch of Nine Inch Nails and a certain 80s dance with guitar overlays.

I'm thinking Rob Zombie with his dance experiment, A slight of Fear Factory - Fear is The Mindkiller but without the heavy vocals. It's almost a resurgence of the 80s dance scene but with added industrial elements and a definite gothic influence.

As you can imagine by now they're not the easiest band to describe but certainly one of the best to see and hear. The stage presence is dark and almost mysterious with vocalist Mick Witham holding the crowd in a state of almost hypnosis as Pro-jekt blast out their own brand of Gothic moods.

All in all an excellent day for a worthy cause. Around £900 was raised for the S.O.P.H.I.E. fund, which a brilliant achievement.

Well done one and all.

The Hipster