The Abyss Vol. 1 is the first part of a trilogy from UK heavy metallers Hamerex, a collection set to be fully released by the end of the year. The four track encounter just uncaged is a powerful and inventive assault of a sound which has been stirring up the senses and praise since the band first emerged back in 2004. Consisting of two new tracks and two previously released songs which have been re-recorded and infused with the stirring evolution surging through the band’s sound, The Abyss Vol. 1 is basically a compelling slab of voracious rock ‘n’ roll.
Hailing from Wakefield, Hamerex was formed by vocalist/guitarist Steve Blower. Starting with debut album Rites Of Passage in 2012, the band’s releases have drawn potent praise, its successor IX the following year and third album Traitor in 2016 sparking acclaim as too before the latter, The Last Ride EP. Each has revealed an open growth and maturity in the band’s sound which has a new head with The Abyss. The new EP is also the first release to feature bassist Marc Hood and drummer Sharif Diz Dyson alongside Blower and guitarist Andy Firth.
It immediately roars upon the senses with opener The Extremist, riffs devouring ears as rhythms voraciously pounce and drive the track through ears. Blower’s vocals have no restraint either but come with a more composed attack as the sounds ravage and incite. Heavy and more extreme metals textures collude in the tempest, every hook and groove as threatening as they are flirtatious with every bass growl and flying beat accentuating each magnetic trait. The track which originally appeared on XI, just hits the spot as familiar and unique sounds and textures come together with rapacious intent.
The following Broken is just as bold and tenacious on the ears though it prowls the listener before unleashing its web of melodically inviting and sonically fiery enterprise; never going for the jugular but blending seduction and threat all the same. One of the new tracks it just ignites big anticipation for what is to follow across the other EPs ahead as too its fellow newcomer, Crucifixion. Featuring Hood on lead vocals, the track storms ears with a thrash nurtured surge, Blower and Firth infesting the senses as grooves incessantly nag. Darker ruinous hues invade backing vocals and in turn the climate of the incitement, the track continuing to revolve between heavy and extreme metal predation until its final toxic expulsion. Both tracks suggest a new and striking evolution in the band’s sound which as suggested earlier makes the other two episodes in this trilogy very easy to get excited for.
In between those two songs is The Dark Tower which first infested ears upon Traitor. The tendril of guitar drawing attention to its body is pure enticement as too the subsequent heavy metal rumble of the encounter and its tart melodic veining.
All four tracks suggest that Hamerex is at the beginning of a new chapter in their sound but it is the new pair which really excites ensuring the next volumes of The Abyss will be eagerly welcomed.
The Abyss Vol. 1 is out now and available across most online stores and @ https://hamerex.bandcamp.com/album/the-abyss-vol-1
https://hamerex.com/ https://www.facebook.com/hamerex https://twitter.com/hamerex
Pete RingMaster 12/06/2018
Copyright RingMaster: MyFreeCopyright
Produced and mixed by Jesse Vainio (Apocalyptica, Poets Of The Fall, Sunrise Avenue), The Divide opens with Please. Immediately the dark growl of Mikko Määttä’s bass entices ears and attention, the crispy beats of Santeri Saksala enticing alongside. The pair is soon joined by the flavoursome lures of the guitars, a mix settling into a suggestive stroll as Lascelles tones step forward. There is a slight Bush like scent to the song at this point, its tempting tendrils and intimation a flirtation easy to grab with hunger. Lead guitarist Roni Seppänen weaves a web of adventure and craft as the track grows, Lascelles backing him with string and voice as the tempestuous heart of the song erupts with increasing rigour. As suggested earlier, there is something recognisable about the song yet every twist is unexpected and each of its emerging textures and turns a spark for the imagination.
The EP opens with the quite irresistible I’m Not Ready; the song four minutes plus of virulent energy and infectious enterprise. A stroke of guitar is the first tease, Hayes’ magnetic voice the second with swinging grooves wearing Eastern European flavouring swiftly following. Like a blend of Molotov Jukebox and The Penny Black Remedy flirting with The BeauBowBelles, the track had feet shifting and hips swinging in no time with its chorus seeing a bold escalation as vocal chords also refused to show restraint.
Cave follows, a song openly embracing that Deftones inspiration. Its atmospheric caresses provide a mellow sigh to complement the similarly calm tones of Lim, the guitar of Sam West a radiant shimmer alongside as the mist of keys is slowly walked through by the sombre but magnetic stroll of Chris French’s bass. With the crisp beats of Sergiusz Brudek adding their inviting touch it is an infectious calm yet there is a sense of disturbance glimpsed in its depths, one which brews and festers until erupting in an immersive wash of volatility and sonic intensity. We cannot say that the song sparked the same richness of reaction and pleasure as its companions just due to personal tastes but there is no denying that it had ears gripped and appetite feasting before drifting away.
The following Before I Fall makes a similarly magnetic entrance, the bass of this time Fagernes walking magnetically through ears with the melodic intimation of the guitars for company. Like a psych washed fusion of Dead Can Dance, My Bloody Valentine, and Fields Of The Nephilim, the song fascinated and tantalised in equal measure. Its heavy emotion and senses wrapping shadows unavoidably infested the imagination but equally the song tempted the body into calm but definite involvement even as its darkness consumed. The fact that the song did not bring the same lust as for its predecessor or successor is simply down to their might, the song only magnetism.
Released on his self-owned Nowhere Music, Sooner or Later opens up with the immediately infectious Lonely Fools. Its initial melodic clang easily tempted ears, the subsequent reflective stroll centred by bass, voice, and guitar captivating them as melodic shimmers and sonic caresses surround the Mullin’s lure. Though not exactly in sound, there is something of Pete Wylie to the outstanding track, a slice of indie pop intimation and infection which just lit our ears and appetite.