HIGH-energy, tight riffs and vocal excellence swept Dremora to the top of the pile in the first County Gazette Battle of the Bands competition.

The contest saw five top county acts take to the stage at the Somerset Show at Taunton Racecourse on Sunday in a bid to scoop the top prize - studio time at Muddy Road Studios in the Blackdown Hills.

All of the acts performed brilliantly to receptive, enthusiastic crowds throughout the day, from the opening subtlety of Hello Hopeville, through to the raucous antics of closing act, The Legendary SnakeSNAKESnake.

In between were the excellent eight-piece, The Jamestown Brothers, alongside the top blues bounce of Dirty Blueprint.

But it was the dynamic - and often ferocious - tones of metal band Dremora that came out on top on the scorecards of judges Paul Jones, editor of the Gazette, and James Willmott, from Muddy Road Studios.

"It was such a tough decision," said Paul.

"All of the bands were excellent, we have some unbelievable talent here in Somerset, and could all have won.

"But Dremora just stood out from the crowd with some seriously bouncy riffs and choruses that hit you like a freight train.

"They were more than worthy winners."

Paul thanked everyone who helped make the event - the first of its kind -such a success.

"The sound guys from Ian and Denis Pearce were brilliant, battling time constraints to ensure everyone sounded great, and the bands themselves were so accommodating throughout the day, and performed superbly.

"And a huge thanks to all at Muddy Road - who offered such prestigious prize and one that we hope really makes a difference to our winners, who are very, very talented."

The band will now head to Muddy Road (visit www.muddyroad.co.uk for more information) - we will keep you up-to-date with what they get up to... Keep your ears peeled.

Here are some pictures from the day...

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