For a debut release, this is extremely accomplished. Hailing from the Valleys of South Wales ‘Of Noble Blood‘ are a five piece melodic hardcore act, and have come out of nowhere to produce a tight and tidy mini album, which although is nothing earth shattering will certainly hold its own in the realms of UK hardcore. Mastered by the acclaimed producer Iain Wetherall it is six tracks of pure loud, brash, abrasive hardcore to shatter the most hardened of ear drums.
The aptly named ‘And it Begins’ opens proceedings with an instrumental battering of the senses and bodes well for the remaining five efforts, while follow up ‘Wraith’ certainly lays down the demographic for the band as the harrowing vocals of frontman of Michael David Darke dominate from start to finish on a highly charged introduction to the world that is ‘Of Noble Blood‘. But from here on in, you see where the band falter somewhat as the remaining efforts don’t veer to much from what you have heard already. All of the remaining tracks feature the same energy levels, the same tight music, but in all honesty all six efforts could easily be fused into one, to become one 19 minute epic. Quite simply it gets a little boring. Admittedly, tracks such as ‘At No Price’ and final effort ‘Truth’ are as solid as you have come to expect so early in the bands lifeline, but it is just that little bit of diversity which would help make a respectable band, into an eye opening band.
On the whole though, this is a mini album they can be proud of. Everything from vocals, arrangements and the marvelous snare shattering drumming is at an acceptably high standard, it is just that they are missing that extra edge to really hit the levels that they would like to aspire to. But for the moment, these six tracks will serve them just fine.
Jay
www.ofnobleblood.tk
www.staunch.co.uk