Vicious Nature – VII EP
Vicious Nature – VII EP
Confidential Records
Release Date: 11/05/2018
Running Time: 24:51
Review by Dawn “The Metal Priestess” King
9/10
Being approached to review something by a band is always an honour and it was no exception when Andy Southwell of the band Vicious Nature asked me to review their new EP. I have already reviewed a single from it, so it made sense to review this too.
Formed in 2012 in the West Midlands, England, the band features former members of Cloven Hoof, Marshall Law and Cerebral Fix, all great bands in their own right, and as Jon ‘JB’ Brown, himself, states “this is no reflection on the music the band is producing, just an indication of the musicianship involved!”
So, what of the EP?
It kicks off with an atmospheric intro, aptly named The Calm Before the Storm, before launching you head first into a thrash metal onslaught with Rise Up. And it doesn’t let up! It is full on and in your face from start to finish.
I absolutely love the guitar work on this EP. Heavy, meaty riffs that gallop along have always been my favourite and this EP has them in abundance. Andy Southwell’s guitar playing is tight and concise and obviously the work of an immensely talented guy who isn’t afraid to show he’s influenced by the likes of Randy Rhoads and Eddie van Halen.
The rhythm section, comprised of drummer Brown and bass player Mark Culley, work well together. JB’s drumming is full of energy and the guy certainly knows how to hit the skins. Frantic drumming is, in my opinion, a must for any thrash metal album and JB knows how to do that with a passion. Mark’s bass playing on this EP is thumping throughout and at times comes to the forefront of a track. These two are an awesome duo and are more than just the time and beat keepers!
Andy Pyke has a typical metal singer’s voice, ranging from the highest notes to the lowest and his vocals are the icing on the top of a perfectly crafted metal machine. These guys are at the top of their game, and this EP shows that, performed with tons of anger, and a shit load of attitude, just how any great metal album should be performed.
As well as four incredibly talented guys, superb song writing and performances that are second to none, the production on this EP is fantastic too. So, what more could you want? Well, a couple more tracks would have done me just nicely!!
I usually pick out one or two tracks as my favourites on an album or EP, but I simply cannot do that with this one. All the tracks are fantastic, and I can’t pick one over any of the others.
So, if you like your music metal and your metal as it should be, then check out Vicious Nature, one of the best British metal bands around at the moment.
But don’t just take my word for it………. Grab yourself a copy of this EP, give them a listen and see for yourself!
TRACKLISTING:
01. The Calm Before the Storm
02. Rise Up
03. Devil Calls
04. Twisted Psychotic
05. The Silence that Kills
06. System of Disorder (recorded live at Wizzfest 2015)
LINKS:
Disclaimer: This review is solely the property of Dawn ‘The Metal Priestess’ King and Ever Metal. It is strictly forbidden to copy any part of this review, unless you have the strict permission of both parties. Failure to do adhere to this will be treated as plagiarism and will be reported to the relevant authorities
