American Head Charge
After a hiatus of nearly 6 years, American Head Charge are back with their classic line up accompanied by Sin Quirin (Ministry/Lords Of Acid alumni) completing their ranks for their new EP. Recording Shoot in the middle of a 10 date tour across the Midwest of the US, this new release is designed to propel them back into the spotlight, pushing their name out there and once again unleashing their own unique blend of industrial style metal upon the world – so what of the tracks?
The opening moments of Writhe are perhaps some of the most striking from the EP, ushering in an unexpected sense of calm reflection and laid back drum work, it’s not how I expected things to start that’s for sure. Don’t be deceived though, soon enough we’re propelled from those laid back moments into the sound you’d expect from American Head Charge, packed with power, hooks, and riffs that make you wish you could witness it for yourself. There’s also a renewed sense of passion running through the music, transforming the sound into something accessible and almost catchy, packed with emotional hooks and moments that twist unexpectedly towards a beautiful vocal or guitar line, demonstrating their development. As an opening track this does what it should, picking up where the band left off and leaving no doubt that now is the time for them to return, primed and ready with a fresh outlook, and re-energised sound.
Moving on to Set Yourself On Fire we’re presented with the more conventional and expected sound of American Head Charge, taking their industrial roots and melding them with a sense of all out metal, resulting in a track that seems purpose built for the pit. Down tuned bass combines with dark and distorted guitar work, pounding drum lines and a sense of all out devastation, presenting us with something seriously dark, and seriously heavy. Still managing to capture their new found energy and drive on the recording, we’re led through the heavy moments and on into Sugars Of Someday. This time moving towards a more groove orientated yet powerful, distorted melee of elements, this track once again reeks of the live scene, the sort of thing you know that pits are going to get moving to from the word go. Catchy, powerful and packed with hooks that will keep you listening, there’s something about this track that’s going to appeal to fans of old and new fans alike, keeping their original sound alive whilst updating it for the new generation – a high point on the EP to check out for sure.
Reaching the last of their own tracks in the form of Sand we’re once again presented with an insight into the raw determination that feeds the guys, launching us into an all out hammering mix of distorted guitar lines, pained sirens and all out chaos. Dark, distorted and almost scary at times, there’s something about this track which keeps you on edge throughout, almost as if it’s something you shouldn’t be listening to, yet at the same time, something you know you’re going to come back to time and time again. It’s only then left to a cover of Rock N Roll N*gger by Patti Smith to finish things, closing with a cover of a classic and demonstrating once and for all that whatever American Head Charge want to do, they can bloody well do it – and well.
I remember seeing American Head Charge many many years ago, and at the time I was spellbound by their performance from start to finish. With Shoot, the guys have managed to capture the energy of their live show in a recording, demonstrating their desire to once again push the boundaries of industrial metal, whilst at the same time keeping their sound their own and doing what they love – and I for one am damned pleased to have them back.
Check out American Head Charge on Facebook HERE, and on their website to preorder the EP HERE.
Words: Dave Nicholls
The opening moments of Writhe are perhaps some of the most striking from the EP, ushering in an unexpected sense of calm reflection and laid back drum work, it’s not how I expected things to start that’s for sure. Don’t be deceived though, soon enough we’re propelled from those laid back moments into the sound you’d expect from American Head Charge, packed with power, hooks, and riffs that make you wish you could witness it for yourself. There’s also a renewed sense of passion running through the music, transforming the sound into something accessible and almost catchy, packed with emotional hooks and moments that twist unexpectedly towards a beautiful vocal or guitar line, demonstrating their development. As an opening track this does what it should, picking up where the band left off and leaving no doubt that now is the time for them to return, primed and ready with a fresh outlook, and re-energised sound.
Moving on to Set Yourself On Fire we’re presented with the more conventional and expected sound of American Head Charge, taking their industrial roots and melding them with a sense of all out metal, resulting in a track that seems purpose built for the pit. Down tuned bass combines with dark and distorted guitar work, pounding drum lines and a sense of all out devastation, presenting us with something seriously dark, and seriously heavy. Still managing to capture their new found energy and drive on the recording, we’re led through the heavy moments and on into Sugars Of Someday. This time moving towards a more groove orientated yet powerful, distorted melee of elements, this track once again reeks of the live scene, the sort of thing you know that pits are going to get moving to from the word go. Catchy, powerful and packed with hooks that will keep you listening, there’s something about this track that’s going to appeal to fans of old and new fans alike, keeping their original sound alive whilst updating it for the new generation – a high point on the EP to check out for sure.
Reaching the last of their own tracks in the form of Sand we’re once again presented with an insight into the raw determination that feeds the guys, launching us into an all out hammering mix of distorted guitar lines, pained sirens and all out chaos. Dark, distorted and almost scary at times, there’s something about this track which keeps you on edge throughout, almost as if it’s something you shouldn’t be listening to, yet at the same time, something you know you’re going to come back to time and time again. It’s only then left to a cover of Rock N Roll N*gger by Patti Smith to finish things, closing with a cover of a classic and demonstrating once and for all that whatever American Head Charge want to do, they can bloody well do it – and well.
I remember seeing American Head Charge many many years ago, and at the time I was spellbound by their performance from start to finish. With Shoot, the guys have managed to capture the energy of their live show in a recording, demonstrating their desire to once again push the boundaries of industrial metal, whilst at the same time keeping their sound their own and doing what they love – and I for one am damned pleased to have them back.
Check out American Head Charge on Facebook HERE, and on their website to preorder the EP HERE.
Words: Dave Nicholls