Album: Bonecrusher
Year: 2015
Rating: 76/100
Newcomers Wounded Cross hail from Rugby, Warwickshire, coming together through a mutual love of rock and roll, dirty guitar riffs and traditional doom metal in the vein of the likes of Black Sabbath and the equally legendary Saint Vitus. Vocalist Graham Bliss leads the quartet with more of a Wino-inspired mid-range howl as opposed to a higher register wail, but still leads the quartet by example.
The three tracks on offer on "Bonecrusher" are three monoliths of doom, with small pockets of outside influence to be found here and there. Guitarist Tommy Love's classical training comes into play more than once with some excellent lead riffs and solos. Drummer Paul Revell's roots lie primarily in metal, and that can be heard for all on opening number "Biocentrism", with some subtle double-kick drum work and powerful fills. Graham Bliss's vocals and lyrics form the backbone of the songs, and while his delivery isn't highly polished, it works well enough to sustain the listener's interest. "Biocentrism" and "Bonecrusher" offer the more traditional side of doom metal, but where Wounded Cross mix things up a bit comes in the form of closing track "Ashes", offering a slower, more reflective take on their aural assault before building to their traditional sound again.
On the whole, "Bonecrusher" is a short but sweet offering from these newcomers. It feels a little disappointing that it finishes so quickly, but there's enough to sustain the listener's interest. I'd like to hear what they could do with a full length offering in the not too distant future.
Track listing:
- Biocentrism
- Bonecrusher
- Ashes
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