The “new” NWOBHM? The Filth Hounds hail from the north east of England. And they are jolly good chaps. Bassist John Allom got in touch to introduce the band and I have a copy of their excellent debut album Release the Hounds.
It’s due out on 20 July through Vyper Records which, in a further NWOBHM connection, is Andro Coulton’s label. Andro being the ex-Witchfyde bassist of course.
Anyway – the Filth Hounds. John says that they are “heavily influenced by NWOBHM bands such as Tokyo Blade, Tysondog and (as our name suggests), Tank.” And that thay have some festivals lined up later this year with the likes of Tygers of Pan Tang, Avenger and Spartan Warrior. That can’t be bad.
What about the CD? Very nice. One can easily identify the New Wave of British Heavy Metal-style influences which John cites. Though its original stuff and it rocks hard. All the required trademarks are very much in evidence. Crunching fast paced rockers which drive along have some melodic overtones and quite jaw-dropping guitar work with some punky edges in places.
Gets you from the start – Nowhere to Go. All the riffage, the power, the hook, the guitar work, changes of pace. Modern NWOBHM. See the video of the band performing the track. Like it?
Too Damn Good and I Can’t Hide are similar in feel delivering the goods. So Blue sounds out of place to me – a sort of MOR mosh that’s too slushy. Shows they can write the soulful sensitive stuff though not my bag. Might be yours?
Good Love Calling and Hooked on Love both chug at a pace with the catchy melodic/punky chorus being an instant implant direct to the brain. Both excellent punchy heavy songs. So Blue is now forgiven….
And next – well, where to start on The Trilogy. Epic, expansive, ambitious, and any other similar adjective you’d care to use. Around thirteen minutes of hard/heavy/proggy tinges any heavy rock/metal band would be more than proud to call their own. The Filth Hounds have excelled with The Trilogy and this CD should be in any rock fan’s collection for this track alone – though remember that the rest of it has more than enough going for it to make it an easy purchase decision.
The first time I listened to Release the Hounds, I slotted in straight in to the slot without looking at the track listing. When it came to the Trilogy I wasn’t aware it was a three-parter which was probably a good thing as it added to my enjoyment being surprised three times.
The first element (Feeling Sad) is a bit of a slow burner with the strummed-style chords being hauntingly beautiful with some edge to it as it builds. Though when it faded out I thought that was it. Then in came part II (Going Home) which steps it all up a gear becoming more powerful before the stupendous part III (Pure Filth) and the guitarfest with the twin guitars duelling in extended format featuring some remarkable playing as the hot rhythm section keeps it all in time. Instant classic. Must be listened to in order for it to be believed so don’t take my word for it – listen to t.
Tune up the air guitar – you will need it.
You can see what the Filth Hounds are up to on their Facebook page:
http://www.facebook.com/TheFilthHounds
And check out the CD on Vyper Records:
http://www.vyperrecords.com/the-filth-hounds.php
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