We’re a little behind on the auld review front, so let’s start with a 2011 release from Belfast metallers Warcrux. They describe themselves as a thrash / sleaze band, but we’re not getting that from the EP. All the hallmarks of later Metallica are there and there’s some goof foundations for things to come, but the sound is much more polished, less aggressive and at times – too acoustic for thrash metal. The sleaze? nah.
Kicking off with ‘Ties That Bind’, the slow acoustic build up unfortunately doesn’t lead into the typhoon of riffs and Armageddon you might expect. There’s no sign of thrash or sleaze and little to distinguish the song from any other young band trying to impersonate ReLoad Metallica. As deep as it tries to be, it just doesn’t hit the mark in any way and even the double bass drums can’t save it.
Good news, ‘Pray For Ares’ puts the EP on its feet and finally we get a little metal. The vocals don’t deliver that deathly blow this blogger thinks metal bands need, but it’s a marked improvement from Ties That Bind. Goes on for a bit, but with pints involved it could be a handy live number. ‘Leave Me To Crawl’ has another one of those melodic intros, but the band don’t mess with you this time. James Hetfield sounds good on vocals…. Ah no, the singer improves a fair amount here. Riffs, solos, heaviness a gogo all packed into one place. Most bands would probably finish a metal EP with the ballad song but in this case, we’re glad Warcrux pounded out the metal for us.
On that note – well worth checking out. Young band who can only improve. Stay away from the acoustic guitars until you’ve completed your Kill Em All and all will be well….well as in dead since you’re killing them all. I’m killing this piece right now aren’t I? Doesn’t matter, no one’s reading anyway.
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