Pijn & Conjurer – Curse These Metal Hands: EP Review

Released: 16th August 2019 (Out Now)

Label: Holy Roar Records

CD/LP/DD

Two of the UK’s finest metal bands collide on a four track EP released by the quite brilliant Holy Roar Records.

High Spirits opens up with a build up that could have adorned Smashing Pumpkins 1995 Mellon Collie & The Infinite Sadness, before breaking down into a faux Baroness track en route to some deathly growls. It’s a wondrous and euphoric trip through heavy metal in the space of about 6 minutes. The maelstrom gives way to serene instrumental sections before hulking guitars and glorious vocals end the opener. Every aspect of this nine minute composition is pure heavy metal joy.

An organ segues into The Pall which ends with a drum intro and more humongous guitars around an orthodox post rock guitar styling. The Pall is more intense than its predecessor; the vocals head to the guttural end of the spectrum early doors and this feels more like Conjurer’s territory. The rhythms are mathier and the sound is generally more complex – less joy it is not…this is great heavy metal. The drums bookend the track in the way that they started.

Endeavour is a short two and a half minute track that bludgeons the senses. There is no serenity here; pure, earthy riffs and snarling, grotesque vocals. It’s a sea change

The whole EP goes full circle as it reaches its conclusion. Motifs and styles that adorned the first couple of tracks return in addition to a beautiful, lamenting guitar solo that leads into a twin guitar tandem before a ride off into the sunset and end in a typically befitting crescendo of wailing guitars and crashing cymbals.

Curse These Metal Hands is exactly what music should be; fun, fast, free and flipping brilliant! Take the time to immerse yourself in this wonderful little release that shows off two of the best metal bands in the UK having all the fun of the world whilst bringing joy to the universe.

Curse These Metal Hands is available to buy from Holy Roar Records here.

Pijn: Website / Facebook / Twitter

Conjurer: Website / Facebook / Twitter