Psychedelic dark metal with a creative twist of progressive musicianship and intriguing conceptual depth – UK five-piece Hookjaw pour their heart and soul into the process, along with a sheer and superb level of musical ability.
Ashes of my Pain is the new single and video, a release built around that initial attention to detail in the ambiance, and this cleanly-mixed, accessible but impassioned leading voice. There’s a smoothness and subtlety to these quieter moments, a refreshing and recognisable quality for Hookjaw, and later the contrast between this and the heavier immensity of the full band set-up works its magic with ease.
Featuring Damian Walsh on lead vocals, Craig Price and Phil Moore on guitars, Cameron Hooper on bass, and Tim Wilson on drums and vocals, the set-up of Hookjaw is intoxicating in its balancing of complexity and appeal. Consider the final quarter of Ashes of my Pain, a complete shift to this hypnotic, repeating and mildly tropical melody, alongside a vastly juxtaposed metal soundscape – complete with a soaring electric guitar solo.
It’s a fierce yet thoughtful song and performance, brilliantly enjoyable and satisfying despite its unpredictable structure and story. Hookjaw have mastered the process of the artistic entirety, crafting a work based around intention and mood, rather than purely to grab attention or impress a passer by. Once you delve into this track, and indeed the live visuals of its accompanying video, Ashes of my Pain is likely to grip you and provoke deeper thought throughout; at the same time as quite simply engaging and entertaining the senses.
An incredibly likable progressive metal track, with a clear twist of personality. I look forward to exploring the rest of the Hookjaw catalogue.
Find Hookjaw on YouTube, Instagram, Facebook & the Website.
