By Monk
I first came across these Belfast alt-groove metallers about five years ago, when they arose from the ashes from a number of previous projects. Unfortunately, due to one thing or another, I managed to lose track of them for much of the intervening period, although their name did remain on the periphery of my radar due to gig posters, etc. Now, however, they are now defiantly front and centre of my focus, thanks to this, what by my reckoning is their third (?) EP.
While lyrically addressing the fragility and fraility of the human condition, there definitely is nothing fragile or frail in the musical condition displayed by this quartet. Far from it, as this is a strong and emotive collection, succinct in its delivery and all the more impressive for being so. Not to say that it doesn’t display ambition, as ‘Hollow’ in particular has a broad sonic sweep which blends atmospherics with dynamic breakdowns and a massive melody that lingers long after the song has delivered its final one-two punch.
Vibrantly transcending the boundaries between the poppier sensibilities of alt-rock and the dense groove of melodic metalcore, with a sprinkling of proggy meanderings thrown in for good measure, ‘Merely Mortal’ is an accomplished and powerful offering from a band who know that paying attention to the minutest of details is just as important as pouring every ounce of belief and passion into what they do.
All too often, artists sacrifice the latter quality in favour of the former, but ForeignWolf, while still having a long road to travel, have got the balance maybe just about right.
- ‘Merely Mortal’ will be released on Friday (3 April).
- ForeignWolf will play Voodoo, Belfast, on Saturday 18 April. They will then play the Cancer Puncher II fundraiser at the city’s Oh Yeah Centre on Sunday 24 May.
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