Album Review: Beyond Salvation - The Final Nail
Reviewed by Matthew Williams
There’s a strange occurrence in the air as the atmospheric introduction “Regresus” leads the charge for Manchester quartet Beyond Salvation. Personally, I would have just made it part of the next song, “Descending Darkness” which heralds the way into their murky, dark world of self-reflection.
With vocalist Jon Pedley at the helm, it’s a brutal onslaught that is laid before the listener, as the rhythm section presents an immense groove that simmers across the entire album. The battering is relentless with the solos from lead guitarist Arun Kamath a definite throwback to yesteryear but are nailed impressively. The band have commented that whilst it’s “not a strict concept album” is does follow a winding path, that leads you to revisit past decisions, confront destructive behaviours and question those actions.
“Incarcerate” is rapid, with formidable drumming from Owen Ashworth, as they pay homage to several thrash legends, whilst adding their own modern hardcore twist, which is reflected in the breakdowns and aggressive attitude. The album title track is next and has a riff that you can’t help but bang your head along to, as the lyrics focus on “the crushing realisation that destructive habits can bury everything you once loved.” There’s an echoed vocal twisted around a delicious bass delivery from Luke Entwistle, that sets the song up for further mayhem.
“Cleansing” opens with a powerful riff that propels the song but allows them to showcase what they are all about. With stop/start melodies that scream passion, they aren’t messing about and it’s an imposing song followed by “The Waiting”, which explores the vice like grip that addiction can have over you. This is probably my favourite song, as the vocal is varied and sounds decidedly evil and sinister with different tempos across the composition.
These four are genuinely whipping up a storm and “Scorned” shows no signs of them letting up, with a distinctive metal riff that will gain them many admirers. It deviates slightly into a more intense kind of madness but delivers at every point, with more melodic sections being introduced. They are looking inwards on “Broken Reflections” as the bruising track confronts oneself and comes across as raw and intense, devouring all before it.
“Endless Cycle” is about the fear of repeating the same mistakes and comes at you all gun’s blazing with swift drums before they unleash their brand of full on aggressive melodic hardcore thrash. It’s powerful and dramatic with soaring riffs and notable solos before they finish you off with “The Storm” which questions whether true change is ever possible.
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