So, in all the years that I have been reviewing alongside thee editor (which, fact-fans, is probably longer than many of our readers have been alive, in a slightly depressing moment of clarity), I don’t believe that I have ever reviewed a band from Belfast. Strangle Wire are described in their PR blurb as being for fans of Benediction, Asphyx and Bolt Thrower, all bands whom I hold in the highest esteem. Always a bit of a double-edged sword for bands, I think, making these comparisons. On the one hand, it gives the consumer a quick and easy handle about what they might be getting, whilst on the other it can lead to listeners wondering what it is they’re missing if the comparison isn’t that readily apparent. In any case, the four piece have managed to get a production courtesy of Chris Fielding (previously worked with Primordial, Napalm Death, Electric Wizard among others), so prior to listening my expectations were high.

So what do we have? Pretty listenable, chunky and for the most part mid-paced death metal that’s got a definite hard edge to it. The main riff to tracks like “Judas Switch” are massive slabs of chug alongside some tasty melodies. What impressed me about Strangle Wire is that they have an enviable knack for crafting memorable tracks without losing any of the heaviness. I’m particularly impressed when the axes and rhythm section lock onto a passage of synchronised destruction, as they really come marching out of the speakers in a most confident fashion. Here and there are some slower sections where the lead guitar work can produce some simple but effective melodies to punctuate the sheer fury, which is where I think the Bolt Thrower comparison can most be justified.

In terms of the other comparisons? Well, they’re a fair bit heavier than Benediction, albeit the massive guttural bellow of Pete can from time to time have a bit of a Dave Ingram vibe to them. They’re really too consistently rapid to be compared to Asphyx. In fact, I think it’s much fairer to say that Strangle Wire have their own thing going on. There really is a pressing feeling that the band are straining at the leash – I personally love the slower sections, but when the brakes come off, they feel like a band that really wants to go for it. The end section of the excellent “Psychology of the Sick” has the band straining like an angry dog at the leash, threatening to plunge into chaos at any time, but just about managing to keep under control. This is a work of controlled aggression.

In terms of production, this thing feels massive. Listening to it through decent headphones is a bit like being put in a boxing ring with Tyson Fury, each riff landing on the side of your head like a wild hook. Best of all, the production manages to capture the sheer energy of the songs. This is a dynamic beast. Special mention must go to finding a way to bring the (tremendous) drumming to the fore without overwhelming everything else. When the guitars crunch ? Oh man. I was taken back to classic Aborted level breakdowns of chunkiness. More crunch than a McCoys lorry crashing into a Crunchie factory.

The future ought to be bright for the lads. I would hope that they manage to take this on tour, even a couple of slots on the festival circuit this year, because I think this material would absolutely devastate in the live setting. I have my fingers crossed that they get the exposure that this album deserves.

(8.5/10 Chris Davison)

https://www.facebook.com/stranglewireband

https://stranglewire.bandcamp.com/album/shaped-by-human-frailty