Blood of Achilles Release Sensational Debut Album ‘Only Will Be Black Mountains’
Blood of Achilles’ debut album, Only Will Be Black Mountains, offers a sprawling, genre-defying journey. Formed from the ashes of their previous project, the band has crafted something uniquely their own, blending chaotic energy with meticulously constructed musicality. With the combined forces of Ryan Mallows (drums), Phil Collier (vocals, guitar), Jon Lawton (lead guitar), and Jon Couch (bass), the album emerges as an ambitious and complex statement.
The album has been a true labour of love for the band, having been recorded at Crosstown Studios in Liverpool under the careful eyes and ears of Lawton and released through the in-house label Crosstown Records.
From the opening track The Follower, Only Will Be Black Mountains makes it clear that this isn’t an album content to sit comfortably within any one genre. Lawton’s metalcore-influenced arrangements are the backbone of the album, with their technical complexity and crushing riffs, but they are often punctuated by Collier’s uniquely off-kilter vocal style. His melodies, while often haunting, carry a certain unpredictability that provides an element of surprise and keeps the listener on edge.
The bass work from Jon Couch deserves a special mention; his hooks are both clever and thought-provoking, blending seamlessly with Mallows’ thunderous drumming style. The rhythm section adds an intensity to the album, giving each track weight and momentum and truly is the heartbeat of the album, bringing it life and keeping it moving throughout.
The album doesn’t allow itself to be pinned down by traditional metal tropes. Tracks like Immortal Enemy deliver blistering guitar work and spiraling leads, while In The Mire reveals a more melodic and atmospheric side of the band, showcasing their range and ability to create moments of reflection amidst the storm, a tenderness amongst the vast and brilliant chaos.
What makes Only Will Be Black Mountains such an engaging listen is the way their influences are fused without ever feeling forced. Every section of every song feels deliberate and crafted to engage the listener. There’s a cinematic quality to the way the band structures the songs, they’re not just writing music but telling stories through their compositions.
The lyrics throughout the album present a journey that feels both personal and universal. Themes of isolation, existential struggle, and the longing search for meaning run throughout the album. Once again, the grit and fire behind the lyrics is delivered expertly by Collier, the wall of sound and feelings hard to resist.
Only Will Be Black Mountains is a powerful and ambitious debut that signals the arrival of a band unafraid to push boundaries. Blood of Achilles has crafted a sound that is progressive, heavy and unpredictable. With their blend of chaotic energy, the band has created something that will likely leave a lasting mark on the scene. As debut albums go, this is an outstanding piece of work and one to sure to cement Blood of Achilles as a sonic force to be reckoned with.
Stream Only Will Be Black Mountains now.
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Helen Maw
