Durham-based metal outfit Mortal Chains release their self-titled five-track debut EP. Self-described as influenced by both death and thrash metal, the chief death influence comes through in the uncompromising, gurgled vocals and nihilist lyrics, which are standard death metal fare.
Sonically, things seem to lean more heavily towards thrash, with liberal reliance on atmospheric dynamics, crystalline guitar lines, chugging set pieces and grandiose arrangements.
Opener ‘Prophet’s Eyes’ uses half of its time building to a furious launchpad, and proceedings remain structurally unpredictable, with the denouement of ‘Advocate; a dread-filled, hanging Sabbathian storm cloud.
The band still appear to be scouting around for an MO, unsurprisingly for a first collection, with raw, clean production lending a certain clarity. Nonetheless, the lean three-piece sound comfortable delving into complex musicianship and refuse to settle into a comfortable songcraft, with tracks successfully threading multiple ideas together.
Thrash has always been an understatedly broad church, but this EP is reminiscent of a mid-80s sound, as death metal slowly oozed out from other developments.
You can listen to the EP now on all major streaming platforms.
