Listening through the debut release from Hands Of Attrition is similar to the experience I had when listening to Threat Signal’s Under Reprisal, Lamb Of God’s Ashes of the Wake, or Machine Head’s Burn My Eyes for the first time. And like those albums, Colder Places is just as vicious as it is vital.
“Consumed” starts it all off and shows the vast spectrum of Heavy that Hands Of Attrition bring to the table with a large focus on grooves built from James Brunskill (Bass) and Dale Harrison’s (Drums) rhythm section synchronicity. “From The Void” is all relentless intensity from rhythm guitarist Christopher Jenney and lead guitarist Anthony Austin-Smith while vocalist Tom Alexander-Scott barks with a fury.
“Threadbare” is like Pantera unchained with a slightly more melodic turn from Alexander-Scott especially in the chorus which serves as the succulent center to a super shreddy, super anthemic modern Metal jam with even a vocal nod to Killing Joke in there. Then “The Becoming” finally eases up the vice grip, “relaxing” into a slower groove before “They Come At Night” bangs full force into yer earholes with a stomp that’s so huge it’s like King Kong slamming into the Empire State Building for that very first time.
“I’m Gone” is another that highlights the Austin-Smith and Jenney guitar power leading into “Leap Of Faith” which is just monstrous, climbing up from a primal place led by wailing guitars, Harrison’s solid slams behind the kit, and Alexander-Scott’s especially guttural growls.
“The Only One” is just plain Brutiful (Brutal + beautiful) and a touchstone within Colder Places, offering up a new level of sonic mastery on the debut record and Brunskill sounding especially potent with “More Than War” continuing that trend coming off like a war march heading towards a massive battle.
“Nightingale” feels more like a beginning rather than an ending as wistful guitar lines cry to the heavens and an unabashed shout out to the Cowboys From Hell lay the groundwork for the new princes of Groove Metal to take their place.
Colder Places arrives on December 18th. Keep your eyes peeled to these pages here and here so you can be the first to purchase and listen. For the latest on Hands Of Attrition, follow them across their media pages that are social by heading here, here, or here.