They may be one of our managed bands, but that doesn’t cut them any slack as we throw them into the reviewers pits for them to get their teeth into…. Frank Holby devours the new EP from Fracture Point… here’s what he thinks!

The United Kingdom is currently enjoying a golden era for Hard Rock and Heavy Metal, be it from traditional straight up Rock and Roll all the way through to the more extreme end of the scale. Thrash in particular has seen an abundance of bands come to the fore in recent years. My social media accounts seem to be constantly updating with the latest gigs from around the country, where it seems support for live music is on a strong upward curve. 

 Part of the London metal coalition, there is one band that seems to be making a big impression on the underground scene. The London-based four-piece “Fracture Point”. Formed in 2018, they were born out of the embers of the now-defunct thrash outfit  “Let the Madness Begin”, they set about becoming more familiar with each other on a more personal and musical level. They started to hone their collective musical talents into a sound they were comfortable with, which culminated with their January 2022 debut release. “Mind Affliction” a three-track E.P. that is well worth a listen. This was followed up last year by two stand alone singles “Symbiosis” and “A New Age of Hate”  which both show a more mature direction musically and lyrically. 

 March 2024 will bring new music in the form of “ Act Of Malice”. A five track E.P. fusing fast and furious Thrash riffs with the Syncopated down tuned rhythm of Groove and a dash of Hardcore for good measure. The opening track ”Malicious Intent” a song about needless violence, is the perfect example of how this all comes together. After being told through narration what malice means, the riff proceeds to batter you into submission using the dual attack of Aiden and Adam on the guitar and bass respectively, They work together in perfectly creating a sound that brings life to the bass, not just leaving it as a background instrument that fills in here and there. It is not something that hasn’t been restricted to one track either, the combination works well throughout all five tracks. 

 The drumming duties are admirably performed throughout by James (the general band idiot – His words, not mine by the way by the way). No more so than on the second track, the war themed number  “Call to Arms”. A track where the riff and time changes come thick and fast but James keeps on point seamlessly. This is a very catchy number, especially the chorus which has the right elements to make this a sing along at a live show.

 “Fracture Point”  the third track, has a change of direction, it’s dark and brooding. You can feel the anguish and pain seeping out of every pore as vocalist Shaun tells a very emotional story through song. It is a story of pain and suffering from a struggle with mental health. The track means a lot to both Shaun and James on a personal level. I’m sure others will connect and recognise the anguish. The last words “ I can feel the walls closing in” its very deep. #

 “Cast the First Stone” is next up. Adam starts proceedings by laying down a chunky bass riff that introduces a slower but heavier number.Its a definite headbanger where angst filled vocals perpetuate throughout the track giving you the impression that Shaun is really pissed off with someone. “One bad day” brings the E.P. to a close. Another track that brings the heaviness with multiple changes of pace throughout. One to get the mosh pit going. Sean has been the chief lyric writer throughout. Pulling ideas from topics such as war and mental health along with ideas derived from comic books and tv shows. The cover art has been created by Darren Johnson and it has more than a nod toward “Pantera’s”  vulgar display of power album design. 

 I really liked this release, It has plenty of character, with enough dark and shade to keep it interesting throughout. The whole thing comes across as a very mature well thought out piece. I have had it on in the car as well as at home for a week or so now, soaking it all in. Recorded in a very fast five days at Ignite AMR studios in Horsham, with Nicolas Meeks taking control of the production, I have to say he has nailed it with the mix being just about perfect. You can hear all the instruments without one drowning out the others with the vocals laid over the music to perfection. It has just the right amount of everything.

Fracture Point will be celebrating the release of the E.P. by performing a handful of gigs playing with Cartographer and Kinzoku at The Tap N Tumbler, Nottingham on Friday the 22nd of March, and The Metal Monocle, Leicester on Saturday the 23rd with a headline official EP launch show at the world famous Cart and Horse, London on the 24th March supported by London Metal Coalition friends War Grave, Aggro and Day Of Wrath.

With the scene currently being taken over by bands who look like they are not old enough to buy a pint at the venues they are playing at. Fracture Point brings a mature demeanor along with them. To quote from their Facebook page “Just old hairy men playing angry music”

“Act Of Malice” will be released on the 22nd of March 2024 via Bandcamp on Digital and CD, or the normal streaming platforms.

https://fracturepoint.bandcamp.com/album/act-of-malice

#Just a quick note, anyone who is struggling with their mental health, you are not alone. Reach out and talk to someone. Please.