Coming out of Providence, RI, HOWL play metal with some doom and sludge mixed in. They got together back in 2007 and put out an EP in 2008, a debut album in 2010 and now we have their sophomore release.
“Attrition” is the start of the album with the soaring guitar playing, the powerful drumming, the bludgeoning bass and the deep growling vocals, you know that you’re in for a great ride. “Midnight Eyes” keeps the speed and intensity up and the guitars are all playing in harmony with each other and makes for a great sounding front line, “Demonic” has great evil sounding vocals, drumming that just has a great flow, and the guitar playing gets even better with so many awesome riffs being played that it’s hard to keep up with them, and the thundering bass just adds to the mix. HOWL have a fair bit of speed to the album which makes for a more exciting sound and band members Vincent on vocals and guitar, Josh and Jonathan both on guitar, you have so much power and riffage that something will grab you and the way that they get together to play in harmony so well, Jesse on bass who adds so much depth and Timmy on drums playing fast, but with the ability to weave the bass together to create the thunderous sound that makes you move you feet to, and bang your head to. Vincent’s vocals are nice and deep and guttural, but not so buried that you can’t understand what he’s saying, you can make things out and you can hear the venom in his voice. Some of the other songs that grabbed me were, “One Last Nail”, “Your Hell Begins”, “Of War” and “Embrace Your Nerve”.
Bloodlines is a solid follow-up to their debut with enough crunchy tracks that will definitely be crowd pleasers and will be on repeat in your house. The solid musicianship and is bursting at the seams with some of the best guitar playing that I’ve heard in a long time. This is a definite keeper and you should go out and grab a copy soon.
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Altered Frequencies 