By Monk
WELCOME TO THE CIRCUS. WELCOME TO THE FREAKSHOW. Welcome indeed, as I can think of no better way to kick off another year of riff-heavy action here in the Überverse than by taking up this declarative invitation from one of our favourite bunches of Northern Irish metallians, who have come storming back after something of a transitional period with a mini-album which instanteously and simultaneously wraps you in its welcoming embrace while trying to decide whether to punch you in the face or kick you in the balls… or both!
Lead single ‘The Experiment’ is a declarative statement of intent, a slowly broiling riff unfolding and unwinding like a cobra preparing for its fatal strike before that first characteristic Jones scream injects its venom straight into your aural membranes with deadly precision, as the staccato rhythm hits its one-two sucker punches harder than a steroid-infused MMA fighter.
I hear Lamb Of God have a new album coming out this year… well, if I was Mr Blythe and co I’d be giving ‘Forgotten Souls’ a spin or several and then going back into the studio and erasing whatever they’ve already laid down and maybe think about exploring the K-Pop market. This is some seriously heavy shit: tonnes of groove melded with a fuckload of aggression and unremitting emotional commitment, all wrapped up with the sort of hook that is gonna have you humming it in your sleep for many nights to come…
And just as you’re recovering from that assault, they introduce us to the ‘Ghosts Of Alcatraz’, a monumentally epic track that possesses everything you could wish for: intricate, melodic guitar interplay combined with an incendiary ferocity that will have the local fire brigade breaking down your door every time you play it while delivering more twists and turns than the best Netflix thriller could even hope to offer.
‘Lunacy Act’ is perhaps the most straightforward track on the EP: a pedal to the floor slice of blackened thrash guaranteed to open up even the most of reluctant of pits when played live, as we all answer Jones’ call to “listen to the voices”, while closer ‘Devil’s Night’, which has been a favourite in their live set for a while now, sees the beys summoning their inner Amon Amarth to round things off in suitably horn-raising style.
Here in Belfast we seem to have a penchant for the word “titanic”, but that is perhaps the best way to sum up the impact this EP has had since it landed on ÜR’s death decks and found itself on constant repeat. There is nothing shattered about the minds which have brought this work to life. Far from it. In fact, it is the product of focus and clear intent, from a band, both collectively and individually, re-animated, re-ignited, re-invigorated and rejuvenated in every sense, both literal and metaphorical. Welcome to their circus, their freakshow, their experiment – but don’t forget your straitjacket…
- ‘Rituals Of The Shattered Mind‘ is out now.
- Cursed Sun play an EP launch show, with support from Teras and Asylum Road, at Belfast’s Voodoo on Saturday 31 January.