TROWBRIDGE-BASED band Sub:luminal beat heavy competition to win Wiltshire's Battle Of The Bands competition last Thursday night, July18.

Six bands competed at The Furnace in Swindon. Trowbridge alternative rockers Equilibrium, Latitude Blue and Origin, both from Swindon, Chippenham Colleges' Lightside and Corsham's Nishe, as well as overall winners Sub:luminal.

The evening, introduced by BBC Wiltshire Sound's Dan Chisholm, kicked off with Equilibrium, the youngest band in the competition, who oozed with confidence matched by their ability. Swindon's own Latitude Blue played some moody melodic tunes and their performance was tipped to win the judges over.

Lightside kept the standards high with their loud grungy style but Nishe, although very good, could not seem to keep the crowd on their side. Origin picked them up again and provided heavy competition for their Swindon counterparts Latitude Blue.

Then Sub:luminal entered the spotlight and stole the show with their crashing brand of punk-metal-emo.

Band member, Leon Millard, said: "The standard of the playing was so good that we didn't expect to win, especially as we were the only metal band in the competition."

Three members of the band used to play in Incision, a group that had moderate success two years ago when they were signed by a big company and went on a national tour.

People from across the county came to see the new line up, comprising of Leon Millard, Steve Curtis and Mark Eden (all formally of Incision) and new member Luke Holdsworth.

Mr Millard said he was surprised at the win, especially as it was the group's first gig together.

He said: "We had the support from fans of Incision and brought along some friends and fans from Trowbridge but it was unexpected."

Judges for the evening included Swindon Advertiser music journalist Flicky Harrison, BBC Wiltshire Sound's Kelly Stooke, BBC Points West reporter Steve Knibbs and star judge of the evening was The Sweet's Andy Scott.

Sub:luminal picked up a prize of £500 worth of musical equipment from a local retailer and the five runners-up were given a special commendation and a goody bag filled with musical freebies.

The winners are currently gigging around the area and are playing the Cheese and Grain in Frome tomorrow night.

Anyone interested in finding out more about forthcoming gigs and facts about band members, can visit their website on www.Subluminal.co.uk.