Their 6 track ‘Delusions of Madness EP’ was released last year so first off, apologies to the McG lads for only posting a review now. It’s long overdue and seeing as they’re set to release it’s follow-up and debut album later in the year it’s definitely about time the D pulled it’s finger out.

For a debut EP from and unsigned band, it’s as good as, if not better than, many mainstream or established metal release out there. The recording was done in Komodo Studios by the one and only Alwyn Walker (FOR RUIN, DEAD LABEL, GLYDER, ATHEOS, OVEROTH), who has only recently taken up the Managers position in Westland Studios, Dublin. And the quality of the production is up there with everything else he lends his talents to. Everything is perfectly audible and excellently mixed, giving each instrument and the vocals plenty of room to shine.

So what about the music? Well! The band have hit all the nails square on the head and produced an absolute belter of a release. Each player is on the ball with their respective instruments and the music is delivered with pin-point accuracy. The vocals are bordering on black metal, but it suits the music for the most part. You could also liken them to Alexi Laiho (CHILDREN OF BODOM), only harsher sounding. Some clean vocals are used also. There’s a wealth of solid riffs that have a great classic 80′s metal style vibe to them. The solos use scales a fair bit and can come across a little samey at times, but they are executed brilliantly and the guitar harmonies used are top-notch, with a fair nod to Marty Friedman era MEGADETH to them. The drums and bass keep it all together, all the while adding their own flair with a variety of fills and thundering double-kick action. It all comes together to create a razor-sharp hybrid of ‘Classic Metal / Blackened Thrash’ with a spattering of subtle interludes and glimmers of atmosphere shinning through every now and then for added effect. Maybe someone else will hear something different. But that’s what I get from this EP.

It’s hard to pick individual standout tracks, as each of the six on offer thoroughly deserve their inclusion. But ’ Jewel of 1000 Worlds’ would have to get the gong from this reviewer. It has an almost Middle-Eastern guitar style to the intro section which hints that something just a bit special is coming before the track kicks in proper and doesn’t disappoint. As for the others! When the opening track ‘Earthbound Doom’ rips into life with a flurry of manic riffs and soloing, you’d be forgiven for immediately thinking, DRAGONFORCE. But the band quickly settle into their own. ‘Another Fast One’ is exactly that. A fierce track that simply begs to be heard live. ’ Warlords’ and the bands namesake ’ McGalligog’ have stomping rhythms, blistering guitar hooks and melodies billowing from every orifice. Closing track ‘Lunacy’ rounds the EP up nicely. A solid, catchy mid-paced number with with excellent harmonised solos and outro section.

It’s also hard to actually find any real faults with this EP. But if I have to be picky for the sake of being picky and knock a few holes in their ‘Metal-As-Hell’ armour then the main focus would be on their dependency on scales for a some of the solos. It’s a petty criticism really! But something that if progressed on could really set them apart. If this release is anything to go by then the album that’s currently in the works could help push them further afield, as they definitely have the potential to make it in the European market with their approach to metal.

The physical release was limited to 250 copies, which are obviously long gone at this stage. But the band have made it available for FREE download through their various websites and online bandpages. So if you’re fans of good ‘Heavy Metal’, do yourselves a favour and check them out. YOU WILL NOT REGRET IT!!!

DROP-D RATING:  9/10

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Delusions of Madness collection by McGalligog