If there’s one record label that consistently has its finger on the pulse of the UK underground scene, it’s Holy Roar. They championed the likes of Rolo Tomassi and Gallows way before they became household names, and more recently have put out releases by some of the UK’s most interesting and challenging young bands including Conjurer, Svalbard and Ohhms.
It’s no surprise, then, that latest Holy Roar darlings Wren live up to the label’s impeccably high standards with new album ‘Auburn Rule’. Opening with a churning guitar progression and what sounds like church bells, ‘In Great Yield’ sets the tone of the record nicely. Straight, solid drumming guides the brooding atmosphere up to the resonant vocal, which sits nicely back in the mix as an additional texture rather than as a lead instrument.
The sheer weight of this record cannot be understated. When all elements are going at full throttle it is absolutely crushing, carrying the same impact you’d expect from Neurosis or Amenra. The guitar tones sound gigantic and do not lose definition despite the overwhelming volume. There are more relaxed moments, such as the eerie, drawn-out ending of ‘Scour The Grassland’ and the Isis-esque intro to ‘The Herd’, but these only serve to make the monolithic heavy sections hit even harder.
If there is criticism of this record it’s that it doesn’t offer much variation in terms of pace, but that’s more a genre trapping than anything else. What it does offer is a solid slab of post-metal that puts Wren comfortably in the same league as their peers. ‘Auburn Rule’ will surely translate into a devastating live performance, particularly when Wren make their Damnation Fest debut later this year.
LIAM KNOWLES