Search - Gallows :: Grey Britain

In a sense, this is mind blowing

Nick Colosi | Chesterland, OH, USA | 05/12/2009

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This is about as hardcore as punk can get without becoming metal. In 2007 Gallows introduced America to their sound on Orchestra of Wolves, and now it seems with their followup, they set out to show that they could be even heavier and angrier if they wanted to.



For the most part, this CD stays true to the Gallows sound. The raspy scream of Frank, which is getting even deeper and more terrifying, on top of sick guitar lines and killer breakdowns. Whereas the first CD experimented with a lot of different approaches to hardcore, this one is basically about how much they can shove down your earhole at once.



Noticeable changes are a bigger focus on gang vocals and lyrics that are much smarter in their simplicity. The main focus of the lyrics is Frank's frustration with his home country, making the name appropriate. The band does quite a few a capala bits in between the smashing intensity of their instruments, and there's quite a bit of repetition to make sure the songs will get stuck in your head and keep your adrenaline pumping for hours after you listen to this. Frank takes a stab at a softer intro to "The Vulture" which becomes a 6 minute progressive rock epic that eventually explodes into what is now the single (Act II).



Overall this CD is a step above Orchestra of Wolves. It doesn't necessarily have the few super memorable songs like "Man Overboard" "In the Belly of a Shark" and the title track, but it does deliver a consistent punch in the face musically that will make you want to shove someone in a mosh pit, break things, etc. The best songs upon first listen are "Leeches" "Death Voices" "The Riverbank" "London is the Reason" "The Great Forgiver" "Graves" "I Dread the Night" and "Black Eyes" Basically the whole CD start to finish is awesome. After a second listen I may have given it 5 stars but I can't edit that."

This will make your ears bleed.

R. Castle | uk | 02/13/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Gallows In my opinion are the new Hatebreed.



In my opinion Warners funded a masterpiece, this may not be an album that is a commercial success, but it is brutal and true to the music and has live energy captured in the record.



The only thing that could be more brutal than the record is actually seeing them play live at Tjs in Newport, Wales.



There are classic songs on this record such as London is the reason and Misery. Compared to orchestra of Wolves the band has managed to produce a masterpiece. This may be under a major label, but they took the money, but did not sell their soul so this album is even better than the previous record."