Review: “Trapped in Animated Flesh” by Callous Hands

An anthology of alternative dystopian futures with a common undercurrent highlighting the will of humanity to survive, the sophomore EP “Trapped in Animated Flesh” from Coventry five piece Callous Hands was crafted in six intense days over the space of a month, fuelled by strong Polish coffee and beer in plentiful supply. The follow up to 2019’s impressive “Earth Mover” which took the band to the New Blood stage at Bloodstock having finished as runners up in Metal 2 The Masses as well as support slots to Memphis May Fire and Ashen Crown, the new record once again finds them working with Neil Hudson (Phobetor, Disinherit, From Eden To Exile) at Initiate Audio & Media.

Intricate acoustic guitars and a haunting piano melody bring “The Cycle Remains” to life before the petal is put the metal for some “Ashes Of The Wake” era Lamb Of God style ferocity of pure blood and thunder. A near eight minute magnum opus of a track it finds frontman Kieran Slater demonstrating some supreme unclean vocal range prowess while the mid track solo is absolutely vibrant. If that wasn’t enough to stir the soul, the punch of “Suffocate” is absolutely brutal, the rumbling bass of Kyle Marshall keeping things tight. Harsh and yet atmospheric, the band have plenty of earworm moments interwoven into the fabric of these tracks that set them apart from the wolf pack. Some of those nuances pop out of the mix over multiple listens, something which servers to enhance the longevity of the record as well as a testament to the quality of the writing. “The Great Unknown” buries the hatchet in the middle of the record with some fresh guttural lows from Slater enough to part the Rea Sea. The chorus is an anthemic arena filler sing-a-long of unclean power, the solo absolutely sublime, making this one a real tour de force for what the band are about and giving the likes of Bleed From Within a run for their money. “Trapped” returns to the Lamb Of God influenced sounds with a sprinkling of 2003 era American Metalcore, Callous Hands remaining steadfast in their offering and refusing to sell out with a mid record power ballad. A downtempo section rising into a tasteful solo that borders on virtuoso without overdoing it is something really special as “Fractured Wounds” reduced the surroundings to rubble as a timeless classic with all the style and grace of anything released in the past twenty odd years. This record is as astounding as it is captivating and these Gentlemen have a bright future ahead of them on this evidence… [8/10]

Track Listing

1. The Cycle Remains
2. Suffocate
3. The Great Unknown
4. Trapped
5. Fractured Wounds

“Trapped in Animated Flesh” by Callous Hands is out 7th July 2023. Find more over at bandcamp.