Sugar Horse
Not A Sound In Heaven
Fat Dracula Records
From Bristol this experimental heavy metal quartet are gearing up to release their fourth studio album βNot A Sound In Heavenβ. Seven tracks recorded entirely live with no click tracks in sight. The album builds on incorporating the βelectronic edgeβ further than before. Conceptually the album holds a mirror up to the state of the world, confronting the ugly geo-political truths and the realities that come with it. βFire Graphicsβ opens with distorted guitar leading into a steady, rhythmic thrum evoking the imagery of soldiers marching in lockstep, meanwhile Ashβs vocals, soaring melodically along the suspenseful backdrop of instrumentals. The song wraps up in a crescendo erupting with the vocals switching up to more of a scream and overall more brutal in sound. The following tracks βSecret Speechβ and βEx Human Shieldβ which are single releases, further delve into the experimental electronic element they promised. Continuing to mix up vocal and instrumental styles from atmospheric to a more chaotic and heavy sound which is the perfect backdrop to the subject matter. βHistory’s Biggest T-Shirtsβ switches between uplifting vibes to a feeling of dread, keeping you on your toes. The ten minute track features quotes taken from Socialist revolutionary President of Chile, Salvador Allende. Closing with βYou Can’ t Say Dallas Doesn’t Love Youβ, another song almost reaching ten minutes, this is a slow burner, brooding and suspenseful. Vocally, Ash really lets rip while weaving in whispery moments. If your ears perk up to experimental heavy metal that keeps you guessing, this release is for you.
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Review by Aggy Gillon