12th March 2024

Review: “Earth Mover” by Callous Hands (3rd Anniversary)

Stepping into the DeLorean beside Doc Brown, we hit 85 miles per hour and heading back to review a record which took Coventry Groove Metal beasts Callous Hands to the New Blood stage at Bloodstock having finished as runners up in Metal 2 The Masses. Recorded with Neil Hudson (Phobetor, Disinherit, From Eden To Exile) at Initiate Audio & Media, “Earth Mover” also opened the doors for support slots with Memphis May Fire and Ashen Crown…

A spellbinding atmospheric acoustic moment serves as an almost cinematic introduction to “Heed The Call“, an unexpected palate cleaning before the onslaught of Lamb Of God style riffs and scalding furious vocals. Despite this being the first song on a record from a new band, there is plenty of verve and swagger here, a burning confidence in what they’ve created interwoven into the fabric of what they have created. Stuccato riff breaks have a satisfying chug, the momentary bursts of lead helping set Callous Hands apart from the wolf pack. Title track “Earth Mover” has plenty of vocal bite and bark with inspiration from early 2000’s bands, the pace and energy of the piece only relenting for a Groove Metal break in the final third. A powerhouse of a piece that is cleverly constructed, it puts the band on an upward trajectory as an obvious stand out. The difference is the balance on the scales of justice, each element perfectly weighted with a surprising amount of refinement for a debut record. A brutal plague wind loaded roar usher’s in “Orchestrated Primal Screams” in style, the Machine Head inspired guitar work only fueling the blood and thunder approach. Another statement piece, it confirms exactly why quality over quantity is the way to go if you’re writing a record. It may not be anything you haven’t already heard stylistically but these songs are crafted under the influence of the grand masters written so incredibly well that you can’t help but listen [8/10]

Track Listing