wars, As Within /// So Without - EP review
''As above, so below, as within, so without, as the universe, so the soul’ is a quote from Hermes, the Greek god of transitions and travel, Principle of Correspondence, and is one of seven principles which make up a sort of guide to a more meaningful life'.
So says Rob Vicars, vocalist for Rugby-based metalheads wars.
It's these juxtapositions and contrasting feelings in search of a meaning that underpin the themes in this four-track EP from the group ahead of the release of their second full-length album planned for later in 2019.
Loud and snarling, the material here just simmers close enough to the poppier realm of metal to pull in one group of listeners, while having some of the gravitas and smashing guitar melodies to entice those who like their sounds a little heavier.
Sweet vocal choruses aside, there is quite a lot of venom here.
The opening to Little Death showcases this. One screeching guitar leads us on a merry dance before the thundering undercurrent of the rest of the composition chases us until we are shattered and give in to its all-encompassing embrace.
Teetering between sub-categories within a genre is pretty difficult to achieve. And these guys deserve commendation for their ability to lead both sides of their musical plinth on a continual stomp to their tune.
Scorn And Fidelity also has a brilliant opening. The distant-sounding guitars suddenly screech into full force as we are led on a gargantuan rock opera of an intro that leads into the song's main crux. That sound returns for the chorus too. It's a vast cathedral of noise that impresses.
On Being More has a more straightforward rock vibe that packs a dancey beat into its percussion. More uplifting than some of the gloom in the previous two tracks it could be used as a fist-in-the-air anthem on many a commute towards a day working a job not loved.
We have In A Mirror, Dimly, too. Another punchy intro leads into a snarling pit of violence through its never-let-up riffs and snarling vocals. It's like the Mad Max universe encapsulated in one song.
If this is what the upcoming record will sound like, please deliver it quickly.
Rating: 7/10
wars will be supporting Area 11 at Birmingham's Asylum 2 on February 27
