Brutiful_ViXn
Reign In Metal
Zodiac :  Metal Reputation : 88
Join date : 2012-01-05
Location : Vacationing in Hell
 | |  Wretched Soul - Veronica (2013) Album Review | |
Wretched Soul - Veronica (2013)
Dark Lord Records -- Running Time 40:15
Wretched Soul were formed in Canterbury, Kent, UK in late 2008 and with some relentless gigging under their belts, including a very good performance at Bloodstock Festival in 2012 (I know it was good because I was there watching them) they have now released their debut album 'Veronica'. If you've seen Wretched Soul labelled or reviewed as just a Thrash band then ignore that because Thrash is only part of their sound. If anything they are actually quite difficult to label because they manage to be one third Thrash, one third Death and one third Traditional/NWOBHM and they do it in such a way that the songs blend seamlessly between genres so you never know what's just around the corner!
Musically they are Thrash/Trad but vocally it's Death/NWOBHM and a bit of Black (I know, I know, all these genre tags are a pain) and they've managed to carve their own little niche in the market! With the amount of bands around these days that's not an easy thing to do! Vocalist Chris Simmons has a decent death growl which he employs throughout, but when he sings cleanly you actually think the band might well have a second vocalist locked away somewhere because his voice could grace any number of modern metal or classic NWOBHM bands such is the contrast. He doesn't always quite hit the mark, the chorus of 'The Unmaking' sounds a little flat for instance, but on the whole it's his voice which probably stands out the most as giving Wretched Soul their unique sound! Steve Clifford's guitar work is also good. His riffs are fast and tight when they need to be but there is plenty going on as the songs weave through different timings. 'Luke Mayell's bass and Andy Clifford's drums are likewise tight and clear without being hugely complicated. When you put everything together though, this unusual combination of styles works very well with 'Black Wings Of Treachery' and the title track being my favourite songs on offer!
Wretched Soul have also managed to obtain the services of the legendary Chris Tsangarides (Judas Priest, Black Sabbath, Exodus) to produce the album and any band that does that is onto a winner because Chris has a 'Midas Touch' when it comes to production, mixing and mastering. 'Veronica' sounds brilliant. All the instruments are at precisely the correct levels and it is certainly modern but also retains a fabulous old-school feel as well which perfectly complements the style of music being played. Wretched Soul have released a very convincing debut album that will please fans of all the genres mentioned and it bodes very well for the future. With gigs and festival appearances already booked for 2014, including the huge 'Alt-Fest', which I will be covering for Brutiful Metal Radio, things are looking very good indeed for Wretched Soul!
http://www.wretchedsoul.net/home
https://www.facebook.com/wretchedsouluk
http://www.darklordrecords.co.uk/darklordrecords.html
https://www.facebook.com/DarkLordRecords
Review written exclusively for Brutiful Entertainment by Rick Tilley
www.facebook.com/richard.tilley.351
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