Album Review: The Black Hounds - Colossus
Reviewed by Paul Hutchings
Swathes of synths over a solitary guitar, a pounding of drums, the build-up atmospheric in the extreme. And then big meaty riffs. I mean T-Bone steak size riffs. Hundreds of the bastards, raining down like a plague, smashing the head and dragging you up by the scruff of the neck. Welcome to ‘Colossus’, the debut album from Wolverhampton four-piece The Black Hounds. Six years into their journey, the 2019 Wolverhampton M2TM finalists have survived line-up changes and Covid to release a debut to be proud of. The title track echoes the anthemic style of the legendary Grand Magus. It’s majestic and guaranteed to get the dandruff flying.
The Black Hounds started their music with a double EP in 2015 and 2016 before line-up changes slowed their march. A temporary blip was soon overcome and with a refreshed line-up the Wolvo boys are once more storming forward with a gusto so impressive. ‘Ruthless’ follows the title track, laced with an infectious groove and more of those rip-snorting riffs. ‘Crown of Bones’ maintains the momentum, which to be honest rarely slows throughout the entire 38 minutes. Ant Wright’s vocals carry both grit and clarity, and with excellent support on backing vocals from fellow guitarist Connor Hadfield, the vocal department is solid throughout.
What I particularly enjoyed about this release is how sincere it sounds. There’s no flashiness, it’s good, honest heavy metal with acknowledgement of the band’s influences. There’s a nod to Maiden on Numbered Days for example, but it’s done in a way that is both respectful and understated. Colossus ends with a classic seven-minute plus song. The brooding beginning to Judgement which gives way to a raging, driving thrasher which transcends genres. The Black Hounds have a similar vibe to Welsh up and coming metal monsters King Kraken. There’s clearly some experience locked away here, and let’s face it, another UK metal machine is not to be sniffed at.
Colossus is released on 14th August
