An up and coming Glasgow band has its sights set on international fame after winning through to the grand final of a major competition.

Unsigned metal outfit SeMPeR Fi has won a spot on stage in Live and Unsigned at London’s IndigO2 on July 10.

After spending the last two years playing at some of the city’s iconic venues the five-piece band from north Glasgow made it through to the area final of the competition in Newcastle in April.

And now they feel all their hard work has finally paid off.

Paul Burns, 23, Thomas Brankin, 22, Ryan Healy, 22, and Gary Mulligan, 23, all from Provanmill, Sighthill and Barmulloch met at school. They were joined by 20-year-old drummer Tristian Dales from Southpark, who met Gary at North Glasgow College when they were both studying music performance.

In January 2008, SeMPeR Fi was born. Two years later they have their eyes fixed on a share of the £75,000 prize pool.

They have been inspired by some of the world’s biggest names in metal including Metallica, Slipknot, and Rage Against The Machine.

And with so many influences it can sometimes be hard to pin down what sound the band is after.

Bassist Gary Mulligan said: “We’re heavy, a blend of metal and rock, elements of hip-hop and funk, with some bluesy stuff with a kind of groove to it. Our noise is still developing just now, but we’re getting to a sound we’re happy with.”

Like all hopefuls SeMPeR Fi want to do the best they can. Gary recalls their first audition: “When we did the audition we thought, if we don’t get through, we don’t get through.”

At the Newcastle audition the judges did not put them through ... but the popular vote won them the crucial regional final place.

He said: “What it was, four bands from each of the sections got through, and at the end 40 bands were put through for a national vote for two weeks.

“At the end of the first week we were at the top. We’ve had a lot of support and that’s what’s got us here today.”

The criteria for the competition is tough but Gary is confident they can pull it together for the final.

He said: “What the judges were looking for was originality. We had to play a cover then an original song with three-and-a-half minutes in between.

“Other people covered things like Lady GaGa and the Backstreet Boys. We covered Ain’t No Sunshine by Bill Withers in Glasgow, and Come Together by The Beatles in Newcastle.”

The road to London has been difficult, but their resolve is as strong as ever.

Gary said that they are hopeful for success, especially with inspiration from last year’s winner The Detours.

He said: “A rock band from Glasgow won last year, and it’s good that they don’t have just one type of music.

“In Scotland, Glasgow was the only place to audition, in England there were 13 venues. Scottish bands are the underdogs in terms of numbers. We’re looking forward to it, it’s a different experience.”

The band has their eyes on the top prize of equipment, promotion, and a management contract with Future Music to release their first single, and an opportunity to develop their own clothing brand.

Whatever the outcome they mean to carry on, no matter how difficult it might be.

Gary added: “It’s not the greatest experience to play a gig in Newcastle and get through to the final, to then come back and stack supermarket shelves.

“It’s a huge contrast. It does make us realise how much we want it.”

SeMPer Fi will be taking to the stage on July 10 at the all-day event. Judges include the legendary Noddy Holder and RnB megastar Shola Ama.