Leaving just three months from the release of an album to put out a follow-up EP would seem too soon under normal circumstances, however, in a period where time has lost all meaning and the future remains uncertain at best ‘The Helm of Sorrow’ is a more than welcome distraction that all fans of ‘May Our Chambers’ be full are eager to hear. The four songs that this comprises were originally included in the diehard edition of the aforementioned LP; this opus is an opportunity for those not lucky enough to lay their hands on a copy to hear them too.
The introduction of opener ‘Orphan Limbs’ is subdued and morose with softly sung dulcet tones. It quickly explodes into a chaotic crescendo of snarling vocals from Thou vocalist Bryan Funck, with the guitars and percussion creating a crashing maelstrom that exudes raw punk energy. Even Emma’s usually soothing voice takes on a more aggressive tone, while still maintaining its clean style. There’s a feeling of rage that perpetuates itself from start to finish on this record. While, ‘May Our Chambers…’ pumped the brakes frequently to allow for softer passages to filter through, ‘The Helm…’ is unrelenting and sounds far bigger than the short amount of time it encompasses.
Closing with a cover of The Cranberries’ ‘Hollywood’, Emma pays perfect vocal homage to Dolores O’Riordan, while Thou approach the song with the trademark tenacity that they lend to all of their covers. It shapes the song into one that is uniquely theirs and sounds infinitely more ferocious than the original. A meeting of creative minds that truly bring out the best in each other, the 22 minutes that this EP plays for is provoking, original and energetic – prepare to be kept on your toes.
(9/10 Angela Davey)
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