England's October File has just unleashed their third full length album of pent up hardcore / metal aggression entitled Our Souls To You. Fans of Prong and Killing Joke, ironically two bands October File have shared the stage with recently, will absolutely love the unrelenting & crushing assault that OF brings to the table on this eleven song disc. As an added bonus the album comes with an additional disc consisting of four of the album tracks mixed by Justin Broadrick of Goldflesh and Jesu fame.
Armed with Ben Hollyer's gruff vocal delivery belting out the politically charged lyrics, the pile driving rhythm's laid down by bassist Steve Beatty and drummer John Wyatt establishes a formidable foundation as guitarist Matt Lerwill peels off an endless barrage of scorching riffage. The whole album from start to finish packs one hell of a wallop but the individual standouts would certainly have to be the ten minute "Dredge", the multifaceted instrumental, two part title track and the downright venomous Love Is (A Warm AK-47).
As if Our Souls To You wasn't abrasive enough on its own, the industrial tinged Justin Broadrick mixes adds even more fuel to the fire. Broadrick's mixes on the four songs makes for an interesting comparison when you stack them up against the earlier versions. In addition to being slightly louder, Justin's mix also sounds crisper, with the drums in particular packing more punch. Apparently the band was suitably impressed as well because they're also going to be releasing a second version entirely produced by Broadrick. Personally I prefer Justin's mixes, and I have to say they've definitely piqued my curiosity to hear his treatment of the rest of the album.
Like I said Our Souls To You is a brutal and unforgiving metalcore extravaganza, and one that certainly has to be considered their most complete and well rounded offering to date. If you haven't already checked out what October File is all about, then look no further because Our Souls To You is the place to start.
Track Listing
1) Crawl
2) Corporate Evasion
3) Falter
4) Dredge
5) Eau Du War
6) Our Souls To You (Pt1)
7) A Public Display Of Anger
8) Isolation
9) September
10) Love Is (A Warm AK-47)
11) Our Souls To You (Pt2)
12) Crawl (Justin Broadrick Mix)
13) Corporate Evasion (Justin Broadrick Mix)
14) Falter (Justin Broadrick Mix)
15) Dredge (Justin Broadrick Mix)
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