Scratch One Grub Track By Track Run Down of New Album 'One'
Welsh metallers SCRATCH ONE GRUB continue their surge with the release of their explosive debut album, One, out Friday 27th February. We exclusively checked in with band and asked them to give us a track by track breakdown of the album:
Swamp Scum
Kicking the listener in the teeth and the album off at the same time is the death and thrash metal track Swamp Scum. This song unleashes hell itself with aggressive tempos, crushing riffs, blast beats, and throat-wrenching vocals.
Skip your morning coffee and blast this one instead for an even better energizer to start the day!
Vagabond
No time for breaks just yet, as Vagabond keeps the energy high and takes you on a journey by one crushing riff at a time!
Lyrically, the song explores themes of abandonment and betrayal by those who are morally obliged to care for and guide us.
GTFP
What does this stand for? Listen to the lyrics and find out! A drop in tempo paves the way for nothing but groovy, hard-hitting riffs and pounding drums, though at times, the drumming ventures into seriously technical territory.
In GTFP, the vocals move seamlessly from rap-style verses to a soaring, powerful chorus that drives home the story within the lyrics. And what story is that, you ask? Inspired by modern Valleys folklore (with just a touch of truth), it tells the tale of a man who commits an unforgivable act in pursuit of financial gain.
DISCLAIMER: We take no responsibility for what happens to you during the outro. Mosh at your own peril!
Absolution
A break from the sonic chaos, this track delivers a melodically epic and emotional piece that takes you somewhere only possible in dreams.
It is accompanied by synth and orchestral arrangements that elevate the sense of sorrow, adding depth and atmosphere.
The lyrical content explores themes such as the fragility of time and the journey of moving on, both physically and mentally, to places unknown, for better or worse.
Bad Habit
Time to pick things back up with this one!
Bad Habit is made for those who love to move, sing, and experience the natural high of dopamine, serotonin, and endorphins all at once.
With synth layers inspired by rave music, heavy and catchy rock-like riffs, and rap/spoken-word-style verses, the song builds up to an incredibly infectious chorus. These vocal hooks are designed to stick, they'll be echoing in your head for days.
Think of it as a superpower: a song so catchy, you can play it in your mind without needing a single device.
#1
A tribute to an idol of some of the members of Scratch One Grub. Some may consider this track to bear similarities to existing music and that was entirely intentional. It was crafted as a way to honour what our idol created and stood for.
That being said, the song still carries the unmistakable fingerprints of S1G, infused with incredible intensity, aggression, and attitude. This is, once again, our way of expressing gratitude to our fallen idol.
You may be questioning who we are referring to. The answer lies in the lyrics and the sound of the music: “Echo through eternity, never gone. Never a dead memory, we are one.”
Ysbryd
Translated from Welsh, the word “Ysbryd” means “Ghost” or “Spirit.” What began as a simple acoustic piece with just two parts—verse and chorus—has evolved into a symphonic, formidable surge of sonic energy.
Lyrically, the track explores themes of death, guilt, and open-ended interpretations, allowing listeners to find their own meaning. Some of the lyrics are spoken in Welsh, a deliberate choice by S1G to honour their heritage and express their deep connection to their homeland.
While the song contains moments of softness and emotional depth, don’t get too comfortable, as this is also one of the heaviest pieces in the band’s catalogue to date.
Planet Killer
The closing track for the album, which may as well should be the closing track for humanity itself. Why? Because that is exactly what Planet Killer is all about. With WWII potentially on the horizon, S1G have taken the liberty of composing something with a great level of horror and fear.
Dark lyrical themes based on the concept, simple yet heavy riffs tuned down to A, with synth/orchestral elements to emphasise the eternal despair. It is safe to say that this one isn’t for the faint of heart.
Additionally, some consider this to be the most progressive track in terms of composition. The song moves from one idea to another, then to another, almost like five songs rolled into one. Don’t let that discourage you, as it never compromises the listener’s engagement!”
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