Mortal Chains - Committed to Flames (EP)

By Stephen Cummings (BeardBo & GH/UK)

(Image: © Mortal Chains / Thorn Faustus )

Durham-based Mortal Chains unleash their latest EP, "Committed to Flames", recorded and produced by Neil Combstock at Rocking Horse Studios. This six-track offering showcases the band's dedication to the classic sounds of death and thrash metal. Masterminded by Martin Elliot, the EP is filled with raw, unfiltered energy that will ignite any death and thrash metal fan, inspiring furious headbanging.

From the opening of "All Alike Will Burn" to the closing title track, Mortal Chains maintain a breakneck pace. Their signature sound is instantly recognizable – a blend of old-school death metal brutality and thrash's razor-sharp precision. Martin Elliot's vocals possess a ferocious intensity that perfectly complements the relentless instrumentation.

Devotees of heavy metal will revel in Mortal Chains' intense sound. The guitar riffs grind and resonate with pure grit, while the drumming provides a thunderous foundation. One standout track is "Weight of Ages", where Kat Shevil Gillham's (Thronehammer) impressive guest vocals add a compelling new dimension, expanding the band's sound beyond typical death metal boundaries.

While the intensity of "Committed to Flames" is its greatest strength, a few production elements could use refinement. The bass guitar feels a bit lost in the mix at times, and a second guitar could add richer harmonic layers, especially during solos.

Despite these minor points, "Committed to Flames" is a powerful and confident statement from Mortal Chains. Their passion for death and thrash metal bleeds through every riff and scream. With a raw, unpolished edge that recalls the genre's '80s and '90s heyday, this EP delivers pure metal nostalgia while showcasing the band's immense potential.

"Committed to Flames" is due out on the 5th of April