Having recently signed to Mighty Atom, “The Recliner†hit the shops in late August. The band themselves probably didn’t have chance to notice. Their recent touring schedule means they probably don’t even have a chance to call up their own mams, let alone contact the label to ask how things are doing with the new album. Regardless, this record probably doesn’t need any of the five members of Aconite Thrill to start chasing up how it’s doing. This shit will sell. It’s fantastic.
Aconite Thrill are a bit difficult to work out really. Stripping it down, the main thing that hits you are the ferocious metal riffs, stabbing you from different sides. The guitar work is of an unbelievable standard, intricate, fast and forceful, drilling you to your chair, combined with throat wrenching screaming that just listening to can give you the taste of blood in your mouth. And just when you begin to relax as they tone things down, and you start take in the bands sweeping melodies, they hit you again, and again with this uncontrollable power of cross over metallic hardcore.
“Maps to Mornings†which virtually runs through into “Can’t Keep a Good Cop Down†are basically both just a riot of guitars. A solid wall of sound kicks things off, reinforcing everything I’ve just mentioned as fingers fly up and down the fret board into complex harmonies and solos. One thing that does need to be brought up is that these guys aren’t just another “thrash-core†band which many groups are adopting as their “new sound†recently; Aconite Thrill can tone everything down and go back to basics with ease. Go through the album in order, and towards tracks 4 and 5, the band allow their diversity to shine on the record, particularly “VIBGYOR†here producing a blissful acoustic song, peaceful enough to put a child to sleep. “Five Paces to East†also shows the band in a different light, where they drop the singing, and let their musical talents and experimental side to take form.
In terms of a debut album, this record will certainly lighten up peoples lives. It might not be everyone’s cup of tea, and it may not be the freshest sound out at this time, but Aconite Thrill are bloody good at what they do and are hard working enough to deserve their shot at winning you over.
Pete
www.aconitethrill.com