17th July 2022

Review: “Self Titled” by Mortal Chains

Describing themselves as purveyors of Death n’ Thrash Metal influenced shenanigans from the North East of England, Durham trio Mortal Chains recorded their self titled debut EP with Neil Combstock at Rocking Horse Studios. The brainchild of guitarist and vocalist Martin Elliott who not only penned the lyrics but also wrote the music as well, the EP is dedicated to the memory of Rebecca Sutherby and adorned by a photo by Rene Asmussen. Curiously enough less than a month before the release of the EP the band chose to release a live in the rehearsal space EP called “Prophet’s Eyes Rehearsals” that features four of the five songs here…

Quite how long some of this music has been around is a question open for debate without a final word from Martin Elliott himself but the name Mortal Chains goes as far back as the summer of 2014… Cover art reminiscent of The Woman In Black combines with the swirling eerie riffs of a haunting opening before “Prophet’s Eyes” comes to life vocally at the half way point, Elliott’s throat shredding Death Metal Masterclass accompanying an Old School sound. Deliberately kept on the raw and primitive side for the aesthetic, Combstock and the band have chosen to make this record sound fast and loose, as if recorded in a dark, dank basement torture chamber hell. In saying that, the lead guitars remain vibrant and the drum sound is clean and crisp, leaving the record sounding like a one take live performance. Everything has a freedom to it that is an absolute joy, some of the guitar squeals on “Advocate” ringing out a fraction of a second too long on purpose making for a warts and all approach. Alex’s drum performance is impeccable, “Slave to Demise” in particular having flavours of Blackened Crust Punk and showing another side of the band before they dive into groove with downtempo. Throughout the record there is a virtuoso quality to the lead guitars, a flamboyance that may steer away from fear of being over the top but here Elliott carries it off like Hendrix with “The Bringers of Despair” one upon which he shines as the bastard in Black. Bassist Ross handles the lead vocal parts on this one and on this evidence it would be fascinating to hear Ross and Elliott ink some tracks where their vocals intertwine. There would be a bloodbath. Then comes the finale “These Mortal Chains” which has some guitar parts that sound like they belong to “St. Anger” by Metallica as the leads are changed for some dark rhythms, the throat splitting unclean vocals being absolutely Monstrous with a capital M. The chilling laugh at the end is enough to make you shit the bed if you’re not expecting it… [7.5/10]

Track Listing