Release Date: February 28th 2025. Record Label: Argonauta Records. Formats: CD/DD
Beneath It All - Track Listing:
1.Liar
2.Tip Of My Tongue
3.Lost 06:26
4.Burn
5.Wasted
6.Obscene
Members
Martin Wiseman [Vocals & Guitar]
Wayne Hustler [Guitar]
Stuart Hillman [Bass]
Gordon WIlkinson [Drums]
Review
Clawing back from the ravages of time Ironrat has returned not only unscathed but revamped after a long hiatus. I admit I was unfamiliar with the band until I got my grubby little hands on this, but you must start somewhere when discovering a ‘new to you’ band. So why would I feel compelled to write about this band from Bradford, England that I’ve never heard of? That I previously knew nothing of? Easy, because it grabbed my ears, and hopefully it grabs yours as well! What a great introduction to the band with the powerhouse that is ‘Beneath It All’.
Ironrat takes pieces of Stoner, Doom, Sludge, Metal and Grunge merging them into one collective puzzle, with each piece carefully placed. They take a high energy approach similar to that of bands like Red Fang and Mastodon on the smashing opening track ‘Liar’. An extremely heavy bottom end, thick guitar tones, and dual vocal make for an exciting beginning, and Ironrat are just getting started. ‘Tip Of The Tongue’ has a great groove to it and an overall heaviness, this is not only due to the rhythm section but also the detuned guitars. An interlude leaves you to believe that the track will take a dive into more delicate territory, however it’s just the eye of the storm bracing you for the second barrage.
The single ‘Lost’ demonstrates what you may have already figured out about Ironrat, their thirst for sick riffs and pummeling grooves that beat you into submission. They are not restricted or content to just ground and pound though, Ironrat are also melodic and versatile. One such moment is the midway point that features an amazing vocal harmonization that has a nice Grungy feel to it. When the full band comes back in, there is a newfound power behind the vocals, as they could avalanche mountains with their sonic prowess.
If Doom is what you crave, Ironrat gives a heavy dose of just that on ‘Burn’. No doubt the star of the album, it has the passionate sorrowfulness we associate with the genre, while simultaneously liberating you from your despairing restraints. The guitars slice through the haze with mid-tone leads that add to the gloominess of the song.
Ironrat returns to an up-tempo approach at the beginning of ‘Wasted’ with an Atomic Bitchwax meets Down styled riff-fest. Though the song is full of time changes, the mid-section settles the tempo down and is accompanied by an outstanding double guitar lead. If you thought the vocal performance on the previous song wasn’t strong enough, here it is shining yet again. I believe I read that there was some reluctancy on Martin’s part on taking up lead vocals on the album, which is crazy as he has a great voice and sings with confidence. ‘Obscene’ is another song that takes multiple avenues, with the first half being Metal in nature with a twist of Sludge before transforming into more Stoner-Doom territory. The drums are ruthless, and the guitar leads are some of the best on ‘Beneath It All’.
Ironrat are veterans in music, as well as the scene and have produced a heavy hitting album that also has its moments of surprise, with the unexpected being some of its most endearing qualities. ‘Beneath It All’ is interesting and engaging while being agile in its delivery throughout and is certainly worthy of putting your ears on.
Words by Jon McGough
Thanks to Grand Sounds Promotion for the promo.
Beneath It All will be available to buy on CD/DD via Argonauta Records from Friday 28th February 2025.
Links
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