Belfast rockers FOREIGNWOLF are back with yet another blistering collection of tracks in the form of their new EP Merely Mortal, which dropped last Friday.
Now, while most were distracted by the impending arrival of a chocolate tsunami, I was on a road trip down south with the family, escaping the impending doom of the Middle East and hoping the nuclear fallout would not reach the west coast of Ireland.
#hereshoping
But with me came my trusty laptop and with it access to this fine EP. So it’s 8 AM, and I am sitting looking out over a swirling and violent Atlantic Ocean and whipping my way through this manic assault on the senses. It’s the only way I can describe the savage onslaught that is unleashed as I listen to the EP’s opening track, ‘Tyrant’, Flavours of Alesisonfire and Slipknot at times, as this track just pummels you from every angle. It is a relentless attack on the senses that overwhelms in the best way, leaving you breathless and gasping for more.
‘Holow’ lures you into a false sense of security with a more melancholic opening before “It Blows The Bloody Doors Off’ and once again melts your fucking face! I have had the pleasure of seeing the band play live many times over the years and always walk away impressed, which is an understatement, surprised and thankful that they have and bring such quality to the local scene here in Northern Ireland. So, the EP is no surprise to me, but it’s still mind-blowing to hear it all pieced together so cohesively and sound so glorious.
‘Imposter Syndrome’ is just majestic, right from the off, it is a complete sonic barrage, the gallops of the guitar, slamming drum work and thunderous basslines all capture the imagination and have you air drumming, screaming along in angsty fury as the band unleash unholy hell over 3 minutes 48 seconds of sublime musicianship. The song keeps on giving with time signature changes amundo to keep you on your toes, dragging you every inch of the way. All killer, no filler here.
Before you know it, you are on the home stretch and listening to the closing track of this seriously tasty four-track EP, ‘Resolve’ offers maybe the most radio-friendly option on the EP, with soaring verses and choruses to have the FOREIGNWOLF faithful warbling along.
I cannot state it enough: this is as solid an EP as you’ll hear all year. Regardless of the band or the money thrown at the production, these guys are sheer class and deserve an army of fans far and wide. They have done ‘Norn Iron’ proud. Merely Mortal is a stellar recording, from start to finish, encapsulating everything this band has in its arsenal, laid out before you to absorb in your own good time.
This one is a beaut!
Merely Mortal is out now and available via all purveyors of ine music.
Track listing: 1. Tyrant; 2. Hollow; 3. Imposter Syndrome; 4. Resolve.
