October File, Holy Armour from the Jaws of God
The first thing that struck me even before slipping the disc into my player was the cover art for this album. It tells a hell of a story in a single, well painted piece of art — I wish I had the final packaging to know who created it.. What it doesn’t tell you though is just how heavy and catchy this album is.
In-the-midst-of-war devastation on a sonic level mixes with melodic, yet gruffly delivered, lyrics pertaining to social and global topics. The heaviness is provided by bassist Steve Beatty and drummer John Watt. Their rhythms range from hard rock to brutalizing blasts of aural bludgeoning. Guitarist Matt Lerwill adds plenty of impact on the guitar end of things, delivering abrasive riffs and leads with a solid impact. Ben Hollyer’s vocals are gruff for the most part, but provide a decent melody on some of the catchiest chorus you can find.
Munitions Crusade
The opening track fades in with a spoken bit and a freaking killer riff as groove oriented bass and drums show up. Hollyer’s vocals are gruff and fit the mid tempo track well. I’m not a fan of the sung echo on just about every line not in the chorus. It gets a bit tedious. Besides that, “Munitions Crusade” is a strong opening track.
In My Magnificent Circus
Thundering drums and punk-like, crunchy bass get this one going before another catchy riff kicks in. The bass continues as Hollyer talks over it as the guitars take a momentary break. There’s a good bit of powerful and creative drumming throughout this one as Hollyer shows off with a nice vocal range — spoken lyrics combined with violent screams and shouts.
High Octane Climate Changer
I love the way ‘High Octane Climate Changer” starts off. More thunderous drumming and rock grooved riffs accompany the shouted vocals before the band erupts at the one minute mark with some faster paced drums and great riffing.
Another Day
This is easily the catchiest track on the album. The chorus is beyond infectious and will have you shouting at the wind with the band. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve hit repeat on this track in just the short time that I’ve had it in my possession. The song just has this groove to it that is genuine rock and fucking roll with a metal tinge.
Hallowed Be Thy Army
A nice bit of creative drumming get this next one going before guitars erupt through the speaker. I’m not a fan of the production effect on the track. I feel it softens and distracts from what is otherwise a really aggressive and powerful track. That sound effect not withstanding, “Hallowed Be Thy Army” has some catchy riffing and rhythm work throughout.
Friendly Fire
Thick bass and driving riffs open up “Friendly Fire.” The vocals don’t kick in until just before the one minute mark on this mid-paced track. The music has this reinforcing, repetitive nature to it that actually fits it quite well. I’m digging it.
Blood and Sweat
This song has a very dramatic feel to it with the combination of the riffs and drum work. It’s faster paced than the last song and has that same crunchy bass methodically plundering your skull in the background. This track also has a repetitive nature to it that only serves to drive the band’s message that much deeper into your head.
Sun That Never Sets
A decent riff and bass combo keep the pace going as the band shifts into “Sun That Never Sets.” This song is a bit out of place when compared to the rest of the track, which makes it a nicely timed diversion from the more aggressive material that surrounds it.
Religion?
A punk influenced bass line works its way through the first few seconds before Hollyer begins his delivery as the rest of the band join the cause. Anti-religion rhetoric are on the menu as the main course for the song. Driving riffs and thundering drums help drive the nail home on this one.
So Poor
The final song on Holy Armour from the Jaws of God starts off with some great drumming and infectious bass work as the guitars fade in. The opening riffs are creative and quite memorable. Hollyer’s vocals are a bit more melancholy which gives it a bit more of a serious edge to his delivery. It’s an interesting way to finish out a tremendous album.
~ ~ ~
With lyrics steeped deep in social and political commentary, October File deliver their message with a fiery, punk inspired bit of metal that’s sure to turn heads. It’s been one of those rare albums that I always seem to gravitate toward when pulling together a play list, but force myself away from for fear of playing it too much.
Favorite Tracks:
In My Magnificent Circus
High Octane Climate Changer
Another Day
Blood and Sweat
Additional Notes:
n/a