It’s always a risk throwing our managed bands into our reviewers angry claws, but the self titled debut from War Grave landed in the cage of the Dark Cookie… and we think he quite liked it!!

In case you’ve not caught up with our reviews for the singles, WAR GRAVE are the latest Heavy Metal kids (haha kids!! – editor) from London. Their music a modern take of both classic Heavy Metal and a healthy dose of old-school Thrash, Think MAIDEN and TESTAMENT or PRIEST and MEGADETH well WAR GRAVE are their mutated bastard offspring.  Not just a copy, something more.

For a band so fresh in their journey, they come across as old pros, such is the tightness and Lazer-focus of their musicianship and sound, and have produced a debut E.P. worthy of making people sit up and take note, the new boys are coming!

Before we get down to the meat and potatoes of the music, we must take note of the wrapper! The artwork is classic Metal. It is very closely tied to the music; it helps tell the stories laid out within it.  It reminds me of 2000AD or ACTION, classic British comics, this EP is their equivalent, in this case telling stories with music complimented by the visuals. Credit to Speedwhore Studios for their stunning work. Special edition in a graphic novel anyone?

OK the music.  If you’ve not seen my reviews for “War Graves” and “Witch”, where have you been?  Opening this E.P with a 7-minute epic is quite bold, but seeing as “War Graves” is not only a very strong statement, is one of my songs of the year so far (and that has been a very strong field). Progressive with a small “p” in so much as its musical passages move from gung-ho Thrash urgency through to some tasty riffage and soloing to the plaintive refrain of the military beat of the drum as the sone fades away. Fitting seamlessly into the classic (Anti) War songs the Metal world has produced over the years.  A bold start, but pays off in spades.

“Enchained” is a proper slab of old school British Heavy Metal.  Emphasis on the heavy with both TRENT and STUART’S guitars are doing their fair share of the heavy lifting some great licks and shapes being thrown here.  However, if the base was not so sound this would be for nothing, CHARLIE and STEVE provide that rock solid foundation. All topped off with ROMAN’S vocal gymnastics. Nothing forced or OTT for the sake of it, just range and power.

“Witch” was the lead single from the E.P, and I have to say another contender for song of the year so far (not doing bad for an E.P that!).  Much will be made of guest vocals from one of todays leading Metal Monsters Mr. TIM “RIPPER” OWENS, yes him of JUDAS PRIEST, ICED EARTH and current pipes master general for KK’’s PRIEST and rightly so, as his simply agreeing to work with an unknown quantity speaks volumes for the spark this band has.

When you listen to this song, you will see how  both RIPPERs and ROMANs voice work together being at opposite ends of the Metal spectrum.  TIMs higher pitch snarl working very well with ROMANs cleaner, more melodic Metal delivery (almost restrained knowing what he can do on his own). It is going to be very interesting to see how the band delivers this one without their “guest” vocalist (another reason I was gutted to miss the E.P launch show last week!), I have the feeling it would have been brilliant, and would love to hear a “clean” version down the road (bonus track from the first LP?).

“Revenge is Near” steers us in a heavier (yes heavier!!) Thrashing Metal direction. Built over a moshing drum beat it flies along with a next snapping intensity.  No wonder it is the shortest song here, I can see this being a snappy highlight of the lads live set!  Bodies will be sweaty and battered.

Closer “Price to Pay” keeps the pace up, and quite literally pounds the nails shut on this box of heavy delights.  Drums pound, Bass grooves and guitars wail whilst vocals laugh and shriek like a loon!  A very satisfying way to end.

BUT, I do have one issue.  I WANT MORE!!! 5 songs is not enough! I don’t want this to end.  A proper bit of me this E.P has been and will be a regular listen.  WAR GRAVES smashed it!

War Grave, War Grave is out this Friday the 26th, available to stream or pick up physical copies via BandCamp HERE