COLLAPSE
“…IN THE SHADOW OF MAN”
Album Review By Chris Palmer
9.5/10
Collapse is a Heavy Metal band that was formed in London, England in late 2009. The band’s sole intention is to make no compromises and take no prisoners. It’s core values consist of dedication, honesty, and to worship the almighty riff.
The band’s sound is influenced by some serious heavyweights from our world. Whether it’s the European Melody of Carcass and The Haunted, or the Groove of powerful bands such as Lamb Of God and Pantera, Collapse bring these styles to the fore and claim to be the proud torchbearers for the future of Heavy Metal.
Collapse, comprising of Harry Wilson [Vocals], Andrew Ongley [Guitar], Christian Stevens [Guitar], Steve Barlow [Bass], and James Chapman [Drums], released its debut album, “Arms And The Covenant”, to critical acclaim in 2013. Now, the quintet are expected to refine their trademark attack with the release of their highly anticipated second album, “…In The Shadow Of Man”.
Released on the 30th November 2015 on the British Lion Record Label, “…In The Shadow Of Man” contains twelve tracks which are spread over a total running time of 47 minutes and 45 seconds. Album opener, “I, Misery” starts off with some industrial sounds before insanity is upon you via an onslaught of utter madness … An explosion of extremely heavy riffs, pounding drums, monstrous bass lines, and shredding guitars. Harry’s vocals hit you after 0:38, adding more extremity to proceedings with his aggressive outburst … As he launches straight for the jugular with a barrage of hate-fuelled, gut-wrenching roars, screams, and harsh vocals, I’m immediately reminded of Randy Blythe of Lamb Of God. I bang my head furiously as the riffs land with such force and pace, literally tearing the skin from my face, whilst the rhythm section of Steve and James pummel me into the ground with uncompromising intensity. What an opening to the album … I’m left in shock …
Yet there’s absolutely no respite as “The Great Divide” launches straight at me with similar passion and aggression. Insane drumming from James starts us off, before Harry’s vocals enter around 0:26 and Collapse settle into an impressively heavy rhythm, inviting you to bang your head. “Beacon Of Malice” swiftly follows with its relentless and uncompromising heavy riffs as well as another vocal attack filled with aggression. This track sends you into bouts of rage-infused headbanging, leaving you breathless and battered as your skull takes a hammering from Steve’s heavy bass and James’ fast drumming.
Neat guitar-play begins, leading you towards a path that surely isn’t safe … Straight to those heavy, daunting, and delicious riffs that hit you at 0:26 … As Andrew and Christian show their talents. There’s no turning back now as you climb onwards as things build in tempo, until reaching 0:56 … Boom! The full extremity of “All Things Decay” hits you and James’ vocal onslaught joins soon after. Your neck is doing overtime as the speakers vibrate with the heaviness being spewed from within. There are, however, slower moments where you’re allowed a breather, but the good sounds return to send you off again as time passes you by in a blur amidst a wave of adrenaline. This track is Heavy as Hell and, quite frankly, outstanding!
Those heavy, fast-paced riffs continue as “Destiny Manifest” begins. Containing an infectious rhythm and great shredding guitars, this is a non-stop battering ram upon the senses which, again, reminds me of Lamb Of God. Following this is the ridiculously short title track, “…In The Shadow Of Man”. Lasting for just 1 minute and 36 seconds, it’s another dose of punishing riffs, pummelling drums, and pounding bass lines … All being played around a spoken word narrative and bringing you to the halfway point of the album.
The insanity continues into the second half as “Blood From Stone” launches at you with heavy riffs and drums. Collapse soon settle into another crazy fast rhythm and are then joined by Harry’s vicious vocal attack. This number is heavy from beginning to end. It’s another non-stop barrage of extreme instrument-play and harsh vocals, with top notch guitar-play from Andrew and Christian. You’re then greeted by (what I assume to be) industrial sounds before fast-paced drumming from James announces the arrival of the excellently titled “A New Age Of Old Mistakes”. He’s joined by the guitars of Andrew and Christian as well as Steve’s heavy bass, which all climb in pace/tempo until smacking you square in the face together with Harry’s vocals at 0:51 … We’re off again on another headbanger’s delight as Collapse deliver another punishing, riff-fused track. Five minutes and 46 seconds of extreme heaviness which includes moments of delightful shredding guitars.
“Shattered At Your Feet” is another relentless and unforgiving track, which contains great rhythm and pace as the quintet put on a terrific display of heavy and first-class musicianship. Maintaining their signature sound, Collapse then plough straight into “Towards Redemption”. Keeping to a consistent, yet quick pace, this track hits you right off the bat with heavy riffs. Harry’s aggressive bite comes at you after 24 seconds as you plough through this beast which has your speakers pulsating with the sounds produced by the powerhouse rhythm section.
Penultimate number is the rather short [2:33] “Dittohead”. This Slayer cover has everything you’d expect … Insanely fast, Thrash Metal riffs, drums, and bass lines that literally pummel you to death in an explosion of hate-fuelled aggression. Collapse play out a terrific rendition of this number, slamming you into the ground with unstoppable force … Tom Araya and Co. would definitely be proud while this quintet leave you in a crumpled heap as the opening section of final track, “Arms & The Covenant [Live]” begins. This track will give you an idea of how Collapse sound in a live environment. The title track from the band’s debut album was performed live at The Dev, London and helps the listener to understand and appreciate how accomplished the quintet are live. I’ve been to The Dev several times and really like the atmosphere the venue can produce with its small stage area … Whilst listening to this, I picture the beer-soaked mayhem happening before my eyes as Collapse tear the venue and local metalheads a new one! A good track to finish the album with.
After twelve tracks and 47 minutes, 45 seconds of brutality, I’m literally left battered, bruised, and breathless. Collapse have pounded me into the ground with an album of unstoppable force. The music blasting from the speakers has been played at an unstoppable pace, with the band sticking to its signature sound consistently.
With “…In The Shadow Of Man”, Collapse have made an album which consists of twelve truly outstanding tracks. The rhythm section of the band is utterly relentless, with both bass and drums being played at a consistent, yet heavy and unforgiving pace. The twin guitars put on an equally mighty display of excellence and heaviness, with riffs that will do serious damage to your neck. These musicians are an excellent combination, all working as one heavy machine together with a terrific vocal attack … A vocal display which includes roars and screams that really tear into you, adding more viciousness to the aggressiveness on display.
Quite frankly, “…In The Shadow Of Man” is an absolutely terrific album. It’s an album that you’ll play repeatedly as the music within gets better with each and every listen. This quintet from London have made an album that is essential to your collection. I can’t wait for the next instalment from these guys … Terrific job … Collapse certainly are the future of Heavy Metal!
TRACKLIST
I Misery
The Great Divide
Beacon Of Malice
All Things Decay
Destiny Manifest
…In The Shadow Of Man
Blood From Stone
A New Age Of Old Mistakes
Shattered At Your Feet
Towards Redemption
Dittohead
Arms & The Covenant [Live At The Dev]
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