Following the release of 2009's ear shattering debut album 'The Ruin Of Man', Metal Hammer magazine described Northampton four piece Sacred Mother Tongue as "The most convincing young British Metal band to emerge in a long time". Successful sets at 2010's Sonisphere and last year's Download festivals justified their growing reputation, cultivating a rabid fanbase who'll be raging with delight at the quality of this EP's blinding new tracks. However, they should rein in that excitement for now - 'cos this is merely musical foreplay! Sacred Mother Tongue's full length second album, 'Out Of The Darkness' will drop in early 2013 and if this material is anything to go by their popularity is about to explode like a white hot Supernova.
Formed in 2004 SMT's line-up was cemented four years ago when Darrin South (Vocals), Josh Gurner (Bass) and Lee Newell (Drums) added their superlative secret weapon; shit hot guitarist Andy James - a technically astounding axe-slinger and YouTube sensation courtesy of his on-line tutorial videos, teaching scorching six string skills to aspiring plank spankers around the globe. Sacred Mother Tongue have also reaped the benefits of James' prominent profile, landing a spot on a Chinese festival bill due to the promotor being a huge fan of his on-line work. And they say the internet is killing music!
The band's evolution is apparent from the off on this stop gap mini-album, showcasing a more rounded commercial sound than 'The Ruin Of Man'. Gone are the death metal growls interspersed with melodic hooks. Darrin's vocals are crystal clear without a single trace of any throat clearing cookie monster screams. Fans needn't fret – this isn't sellout territory – as their brutal musicianship still bristles with a militaristic tightness and intensity on 'Evolve/Become', as James weaves a wicked psycho-stalking riff reminiscent of Metallica's 'Seek and Destroy' played at double the speed, accompanied by a blitzkrieg of hyperactive drum fills. Moreover, the chorus is a melodic fist flinging monster of the highest calibre, boasting a power packed rhythmic vocal refrain and lyrics demanding we transcend our past failures to become something bigger and better. It's an alienated metaller's dream and will unite disenfranchised mosh pit disciples the world over. You won't hear a better metal anthem this year. Period.
Follow up 'Bleeding Out' begins with some gentle minor chords before devilishly distorted bottom heavy guitar work lets rip with the insistent attack of a fully loaded machine gun. The verses display the kind of fractious cadence perfected by System Of A Down, whilst a moody melodic chorus sees Darrin shift effortlessly between soulful crooning and aggressive vocal bursts. His singing, tonally similar to Serj Tankian, has a captivating rhythmic flow – barking out lines with a marked enunciation that never descends into bog standard nu-metal rapping.
'Seven' meanwhile is a belligerent beast of a track, with frenzied powerhouse drumming and epileptic blast beats underpinning James' menacing serpentine lead lick. The song encapsulates the band's effortless ability to switch tempos, creating exciting dynamics as a thudding verse accelerates headlong into a fiery shout out chorus chanted with fiting venom. Whilst Andy's shredding is continually breathtaking the solo on this track is a microcosm of his impressive style, with unbelievably fast alternate picked lines, fierce vibrato and a perfect sense of melody. Most importantly, he never loses sight of the song in favour of virtuoso showboating.
Closing track, 'The City Is Crying' - recorded live at the aformentioned Chinese gig - is a decent enough slab of generic metal without being too special. However, it does demonstrate Sacred Mother Tongue's potency in the live arena, expertly executing their material on stage with razor sharp precision and enough power to light up a dozen Olympic opening ceremonies.
Rather than sagging under the weight of Metal Hammer's praise, the heightened expectation has catalysed Sacred Mother Tongue into producing a compelling set of songs. The pitch perfect balance betwixt exceptional musical ability and first rate songwriting elevates them above 99% of their peers, suggesting heavy metal may have found a torch bearer to carry it back onto the global stage. If they maintain this quality massive sales and worldwide domination are theirs for the taking.
Sacred Mother Tongue's new 'A Light Shines' EP is out next week, Monday 3rd September, via EMI.
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Formed in 2004 SMT's line-up was cemented four years ago when Darrin South (Vocals), Josh Gurner (Bass) and Lee Newell (Drums) added their superlative secret weapon; shit hot guitarist Andy James - a technically astounding axe-slinger and YouTube sensation courtesy of his on-line tutorial videos, teaching scorching six string skills to aspiring plank spankers around the globe. Sacred Mother Tongue have also reaped the benefits of James' prominent profile, landing a spot on a Chinese festival bill due to the promotor being a huge fan of his on-line work. And they say the internet is killing music!
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