The latest EP Embodiment from West Midlands alt metal band ARROW VALLEY is released next week and offers a real treat of hard tracks. The heavy guitar riffs across Embodiment are underpinned by driving bass lines and high-powered drums while symphonic-like aspects add to the intensity of the tracks.
ARROW VALLEY are relatively new to the scene. Arron Turner on vocals and Luke Hatton on guitar began their collaboration in 2019, releasing their debut EP You’re Not Alone in 2022. Drummer Mark Harris Bristow and bassist Abbas Ali then joined the band, followed by guitarist Nicky Hughes more recently. Among their inspirations, ARROW VALLEY cite Killswitch Engage, Alterbridge and Tremonti as some their main influences.
Much of ARROW VALLEY’s music is produced ‘in-house’ – literally recorded in Hatton’s home – with drums being recorded and then mixed in the studio. As Hatton comments “It can certainly be a double-edged sword by self-producing your music. You’re able to spend a lot more time on the finer details and go at your own pace as there’s no time or money pressures that come with paying for studio time. I’m so pleased with the sound and vibe of the record.”
The opening track to the EP itself, By Design starts with a gentle synth-based opener which then kicks into heavy section. The band and synth then step back to allow Turner’s rich vocals through before picking up the volume again. This is definitely a high-powered opener, and the symphonic metal-like sections contrast well with the thoughtful lyrics. The second track Why opens hard and continues to be well driven by the drums and bass throughout. The catchy chorus, fast paced bridge and some death growls also add some final touches.
Ode (I See You) has more of an upbeat opening than the earlier tracks and the pace continues thanks to the heavy riffs. Lyrically this song also imparts a simple, yet powerful message that we all do matter. You can watch the official video for the track here:
The fourth track, The Killing Fields opens with the band rather than synth and like the opening track By Design, there are some symphonic metal overtones and the addition of a little death metal helps create a multi-dimensional track that is really enjoyable to listen to. The melodic and slower paced opener to the last track, All Good Things slows things down a touch and the addition of the synth through the middle of the track along with the guitars through the bridge adds a little lightness overall.
The often thought-provoking and clear lyrics, good vocals and range of vocal techniques show across the tracks, and the occasional death growls builds up even more vocal complexity. The fact that the band almost ‘step back’ to allow the vocals to really power through also enhances the listening experience. If you have yet to encounter ARROW VALLEY, then you really should take the time to have a listen – you will not be disappointed.
The heavy guitar riffs across Embodiment are underpinned by driving bass lines and high-powered drums while symphonic-like aspects add to the intensity of the tracks.
TRACKS:
- By Design
- Why
- Ode (I See You)
- The Killing Fields
- All Good Things
LINE-UP:
- Arron Turner (vocals)
- Luke Hatton (guitar)
- Nicky Hughes (guitar)
- Abbas Ali (bass)
- Mark Harris Bristow (drums)
Embodiment is released on Friday 18th October 2024 and will be available on the usual platforms, or you can pre-save it here .
You can find out more about ARROW VALLEY on TikTok , Facebook and Instagram .
Special thanks to SaN PR.
