Orchestra of Wolves,
GallowsIn At The Deep End Records can lay claim to the fact they have on their label one of the most exiciting acts in the UK right now, and that band have released their debut album. After hearing the demos and seeing the live videos I thought it had the potential to be something special. Now I've heard it. The Album's artwork is exceptional. Make no mistake, the art alone is like nothing I've seen in the UK for the last few years. It's brash, OTT gore and terror. And the CD itself is no different. The opening track "Kill the rhythm" starts as the release means to go on, Fierce, intense and very British. The guitars are tuned down, the screaming is turned up in the mix, and the drums ooze power. It's a great start to an album that is as raw as bloody steak.
There is no easy way to describe Gallows. It's a feel-good, evil album, with finger bending chords flying all over the shop, with frenzied cymbals crashing underneath screams. There are break downs that turn songs on their heads, and rhythms that confuse. In short, this is not a typical UK release album. Hardcore isn't a genre for "polished" production, and Orchestra of Wolves is no exception. It's impeccably produced, with no signs of overproduction, and while being very listenable, it's like I said earlier, very raw.
Lyrically I can't fault it. Each song is a short story, with twists in the tale. Even as it's vocally belted out by lead singer Frank Carter, you'll want to sing along (You WILL get funny looks on the bus) and there are enough clever hooks for you to want to keep coming back. As UK releases go, this could well be release of 2006 for me, and one that should go down in history as one of the finest UK Hardcore releases ever.
Craig
» Listen on Myspace
