Release Date: September 10th 2021. Record Label: eOne Music. Format: CD/DD/Cassette/Vinyl
Leave Me The Ashes Of The Earth - Tracklisting
1.The Hiss 04:08
2.Fail 01:15
3.Repulse 03:59
4.Midnight Creeper 01:49
5.Beige Sabbath 02:06
6.Futile 04:05
7.Endless 02:43
8.Scalped And Salted 03:48
9.Lung Rust 06:59
Members
Vocals - Jim Hodge
Guitar - James Andrew Lee
Guitar - Phil Johnson
Bass - Dan Dolby
Drums - Michael Shepherd
Review
UK Hardcore/Sludge Metal mob Mastiff return with their blistering and brutal new album Leave Me The Ashes Of The Earth which sees the band continue to evolve with their Pitch Black and almost Black Metal sound. After a well-received appearance on 2020’s Controversial Video Game Cyberpunk 2077 Soundtrack, the guys are now signed to American Label eOne Music after spending 4 years with APF Records. I was worried the guys may have toned down for their new label but it seems the guys have gone further and more extreme with this album.
This album is a brutal and bruising encounter where Mastiff challenges their own expectations on what it is to be heavy in today’s modern world. The end result is a short and concise record that moves to the more extreme sides of Hardcore and Sludge Metal with the bands earlier doomier elements now given an almost Black Metal makeover. Fast-paced slamming beats and brutal drumming only add to the effect with the pissed off growls from lead vocalist Jim Hodge.
With a running time of 30 minutes, this record does have a slight Napalm Death feel with the shorter tracks bringing a heavy amount of aggression and progressively bleak sounds. Though Mastiff still bring their own trademark style of Hardcore and Sludge Metal to an oppressively bleak message contained on the album. There are still a lot of cool “head-banging” moments for fans of Sludge Metal. Just be prepared for a “grindcore” feel and energy to this album.
The record still has a huge “likeability” factor and maybe I shouldn’t say that about this record as Mastiff may want a different experience and sound for people to listen to. However, there is an addictive quality to this record and the production is excellent with even more surprising that the album was recorded in 5 days. It doesn’t feel rushed at all with Mastiff bringing their “A” game to this album.
The majority of the songs run between 2 mins and 4 mins in length but there is still a lot of variety to Mastiff overall sound with the band impressing the most on: The Hiss, Fail, Beige Sabbath, Scalped And Salted and the stunning final song Lung Rust.
Leave Me The Ashes Of The Earth is a no holds barred experience into the more extreme side of Doom/Sludge Metal and Mastiff offer no apologies for this record and why should they?
This is is a stunning record with Mastiff reinventing themselves to be one of the heaviest Hardcore/Doom/Sludge Metal bands of recent years. Long may that continue.
Words by Steve Howe
Thanks to Lisa at Hold Tight PR for the promo.
Leave Me The Ashes Of The Earth is available to buy on CD/DD/Cassette/Vinyl now via eOne Music.
