Far From History are a metal band formed in Essex in August 2012. Heavily influenced by the likes of Sikth and For the Fallen Dreams, they have built their reputation by sharing a stage with Periphery and Hacktivist. According to their Facebook page, the band describe their sound as “a mixture of hardcore and chugging groove, we deliver a blow that could shatter bones”. On their debut EP, Gallows Hill, released in August, they achieve this, as every track is a crushing assault on the listener, resulting in one of the heavier releases of 2016.
‘Blueneck’ starts with calm whistling before transitioning into a chugging staccato riff. The false chord screams from vocalist Tony Maue are reminiscent of Reckless and Relentless-era Asking Alexandria, and while the melodic chorus may not work against such a heavy backdrop for other bands, here it works effortlessly.
‘Rupture Farms’ and Going Under’ contain savagely brutal breakdowns. The former track incorporates an ambient guitar, highlighting their progressive influence and putting a calming spin on their sound. It transitions perfectly into the latter track, full of wall-punching grooves and a catchy Bury-Tomorrow like chorus. Recent single ‘Shockwave Asylum’ is both fast and angst-ridden, with some strong drumming from Paul Collins. Despite this, the band could have left the choppy synths out because they feel needless.
‘Swallowing Broken Glass’ has a nu metal feel to it, with a technical guitar solo from Rudi Macdonald. The slow, earth shattering breakdown is captivating and immediately leaves the listener hungry for more, while ‘A Negative’ rounds off the EP with some brilliant guitar licks, showing off their diversity.
Gallows Hill demonstrates that Far From History aren’t a one trick pony, as each track offers something different. This could generate a wide appeal, putting them on the road to a bright future.
Words by Ermis Madikopoulos