Metal
Independent Release
Release Date – July 7th 2023
Line Up:
Linden Twyman – Vocals
Pete McLarney – Lead Guitar
Ian Spurrett – Rhythm Guitar
Will Mihr – Bass
Tommy Rogers – Drums
Tracklist:
1 – The Enforcer
2 – Nephilim
3 – No Value
4 – Tyranny Hellride
5 – Son Of The Unburnt Witch
Struck/Down are from Canterbury in the garden of England, Kent. They formed way back in 2014 and released their debut album in 2019 and their sophomore effort in 2021 which had a darker sound. They had a few line-up changes last year but went into the studio to record this EP revitalized with this current crew. They have stated that they take things from Machine Head, Lamb Of God, Black Sabbath, and Black Label Society. That’ll do for me!
A twangy guitar introduces ‘Enforcer’ until and mid-tempo riff and rhythm come crashing in and singer Linden Twyman opens his masculine tenor tonsils and we’re away and crushing everything in its path like a malevolent bull – not runaway but damaging plenty. ‘Nephilim’ keeps the crush going thanks to guitarists McLarney and Spurret which allows Twyman to weave a fine vocal melody then we get some nasty backing vocals from a couple of unknown voices. This grooves along on a big dark vibe then things come down on the intro for ‘No Value’ with a shimmering guitar and Twyman showing another side to his voice until the chorus comes in and by crikey does he tell you about yourself before going back to the gentle croon on the verse. ‘Tyranny Hellride’ has all the Machine Head and Lamb Of God riffery and aggressive delivery – this is heavy with a fine melodic vocal line. The last of the five tracks is the crushing sermon of ‘Son Of The Unburnt Witch’ again the band and Twyman ease back on the verses then give it the beans on the chorus’ with Will Mihr’s bass driving it all along on another massive groove.
Be warned this is HEAVY! It’s got some excellent dark melodies too along with massive grooves. I haven’t heard anything from Struck/Down before but that’s going to change very soon. Here we have another fine UK band proving that we can produce not just world-class metal but world-class music in general.
Written by: Smudge
Ratings: 9/10
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