Fusing an abrasive mesh of punk and metal, Norwegian band Overthrow unleash their impressive debut album Adjust to Darkness, a release which sparks plenty of positive and enthused reactions to its uncompromising and accomplished sounds. It is an album which feels heavily inspired by fellow countrymen Kvelertak but attempts to stir its own distinct journey. Whether it is successful in that is arguable but certainly it does not fail in providing a pleasing and satisfying storm of aggression and passion. There is a thrash driven aspect to the sound alongside the hardcore punk breath which opens up an invention to ensure it is an album which steps aside and to the fore of most other similarly fuelled releases.
Overthrow formed in 2007 and built a strong and keen fan base over the subsequent years. Last year they released a pair of demos in Octoskulls and Sleeplessness Awaits with both receiving impressive responses in not only their homeland but also internationally. Renowned for their adrenaline fired live performances the band have shared stages with the likes of In Flames, Clutch, Kvelertak, Cancer Bats and Valient Thorr as well as opening the main stage for Lamb of God at the Hove festival, all to great acclaim. Released through Indie Recordings, Adjust To Darkness is the next step in what one can only see as a certain wider recognition, its Matt Bayles (Mastodon, Purified in Blood, Botch, Isis) mixed sounds an easy and riotous engagement impossible to ignore.
The title track opens up the release and immediately tells you all you need to know about Overthrow, an energetic 
uncompromising rock n roll band with precise intent and matching skills. The track barges through the ear with muscles pulsing and sharp incisive guitar work to leave one short of breath and energised emotionally and physically. The following Come Thunder rises to and surpasses the great start with its feisty and punishing energies whilst its successor Let Them Fall simple ignites all the passions. The first of this pair twists into unexpected well crafted asides at times to lift the song further in strength whilst the second is a outstanding rock n roll riot. Thumping rhythms, flesh scorching guitar lashes, and caustic vocals rampage as eagerly and powerfully as the energy driving the track to leave one wholly enamoured and empowered.
Adjust to Darkness is an album which never takes a backward step and even if some tracks are stronger and more successful than others there is never a moment of peace or neglect of satisfaction and enjoyment. Tracks like Phantom Hearts, Woolgatherer, and Relapse snap shut like man traps around the senses with their different but equally effective razor sharp attacks. The first chews up the ear with coarse and destructive riffs and beats from bassist Tor Arne Håland and drummer Espen Kvaløy whilst the second is just a forceful bruising from the guitars of Erlend Færevåg and Ole Gaard, whose vocals are as scathing and aggressive as the hungry sounds. The latter ensnares the appetite with a more classic metal form of thrash n roll to confirm the variety within the creativity of the band effectively shown by this trio of songs alone.
Within the three the best track on the album lies in wait, ready to pounce and devour the senses. Sleeplessness Awaits is a bestial confrontation speared by anthemic group vocal charges and rhythms which cage the heart with ease. It is a towering piece of invention and inspiration to spark a near ardour like enthusiasm to it and the album overall.
Overthrow has with the release of Adjust to Darkness shown why there is a strong buzz around the band, a garnering of positivity which will accelerate as the release places its rampant touch across the globe. If bands such as Kvelertak, Cancer Bats, Municipal Waste, and Converge have you keen than this quartet is a must investigation.
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Overthrow/126344084069670
RingMaster 23/10/2012
Copyright RingMaster: MyFreeCopyright
The RingMaster Review 
Leave a Reply