The Dark Cookie continue to explore the new releases from War Grave, this time with their second release from their upcoming EP, here’s what he thinks…

Them Metal Thrashing maniacs from London are at it again. WAR GRAVE‘s Second from their soon to be released EP is “War Graves”, which is a class big old 7 minute  slab of Heavy Metal, with a healthy dose of Thrash sensibilities to give it that razors edge.

From the get-go the we are in old-school Moshing territory proving both what a tight and accomplished band they are, but what a set of pipes Roman has and how suited to this style of music he is, but they all should equally be as proud of their accomplishment with this track, it is the sum of ALL of its parts.

The song takes us on a journey of a young soldier from conscription to his far too early death during conflict.  The tone are passages of the song reflect this from the initial gung-ho thrash attack, echoing the bravado and urgency of a newly trained combatant rushing headlong into battle full of piss and vinegar to get the job done, through to realization of the situation he and his fellows find themselves in, have they been manipulated? Are they on the right side? Are both sides wrong?  Ultimately losing the battle and reflecting on the futility of the fallen and the tragic loss of so many young lives and for what?   

As the song progresses it changes from the brash thrash, to a more contemplative middle, growing more melancholic before the military beat of the drummer marking time and the lives lost before fading out with an image of that lone drummer in the graveyard before the scene fades to black.

A powerful song, an all to poignant story from any time and conflict, be it the young conscripts of WWI going over the top at the whim of a General safe back at HQ, to the conflict today in the Ukraine where brave “normal” people take a stand to defend their country and their way of life, the story remains the same.

And WAR GRAVE treat the subject matter with both respect and understanding.  A fine mature piece of music for such a young band.  I cannot wait for the EP!

Check out the Track and accompanying music video Premiering from 12pm today (12th April)