Smokeheads – All In
Smokeheads – All In
Wormholedeath Records
Release Date: 15/09/23
Running Time:
Review by Beth Morait
10/10
Well, this has to be a record! I’ve found enough time to write three reviews on the bounce! I’m on somewhat of a roll, and loving discovering new music again. And today’s pick of the bunch is the debut full-length album “All In”, from French Alternative Metal band, Smokeheads. They are, by all accounts, making waves in the Metal world, and straight away it’s easy to see why.
For a start, they look like a very professional outfit. The band’s promo picture speaks volumes about the precision they have musically – it’s four very dapper looking chaps, who wouldn’t look out of place on the set of Peaky Blinders, and this drew me in and made me want to take notice before I’d even turned the music on.
So, to the album itself. They have some pretty big influences to drive them (Tool, SOAD, Gojira, and Devin to name a few) so it sounded like it was going to be right up my street – edging on the progressive side, with technicality, and a decent vocal melody line. And that is exactly what we get.
It took me about 10 seconds of the opening, title track ‘All In’, to know that I was going to enjoy this album. It starts with a melancholy guitar and bass line, with a tone of reverb so it sounds like it’s been recorded in a cave. It’s soothing, yet sad. And then the vocals of David Zamora come in. They’re effortless and floating. And then we reach the chorus, which kicks into a heavy, progressive riff which is perfectly placed, following the introductory build up. And this is how the song continues. It’s got a certain sense of urgency about it, that’s slightly unnerving, but in a good way. There’s also some lush guitar work towards the end of the song.
‘Let Me Be’ contrasts the opener, in the sense of it’s more Trashy, with a bit of Hardcore in the vocals, and some Modern Metal rhythms chucked in. It’s clear from this track that this whole album is going to be an eclectic mix of good stuff!
‘Hate and Love’ goes full on Tool / SOAD. It’s a really accomplished track, as is the rest of the album to be honest. It’s very impressive considering it’s a debut full-length. The songs are deep and imaginative, and executed with precision.
I think my favourite track on the album is ‘Let The Wind Blow’. It’s got some lovely vocal harmonies, and it’s very tenderly delivered. It’s mournful, but mesmerising. Love it.
The press release says that this album ‘Explores the uncertainties of life, love, spirituality, and death’ and ‘urges listeners to seize every moment and embrace the unknown.’ And for a change, this is actually true. It is a very inspiring album, which has left me hungry for more. It’s such a meld of different styles. They’ve accomplished great things here.
If you like any of the bands that Smokeheads take influence from, you’re going to enjoy their music, and I thoroughly recommend checking it out. We could definitely be looking at the next big thing in this genre here.
TRACKLISTING:
01. All In
02. Let Me Be
03. Hate and Love
04. Reveal Your Soul
05. One Million Ways
06. In Between
07. Let The Wind Blow
08. Nothing is Random
09. Prayer of an Agnostic
10. Side by Side
11. The Right Direction
LINE-UP:
David Zamora – Lead Vocals/ Guitar
David Carmona – Guitar
Alain Zahno – Bass
Philippe Brarda – Drums/ Backing Vocals
LINKS:
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