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ARMSTRONG GUN
Armstrong Gun

Self-released (2022)
Rating: 8/10

This rough n’ ready trio from Horley, Surrey in England is a bit of a strange brew, harkening back to the late 70s, but more so the early 80s New Wave Of British Heavy Metal scene.

While at times slightly tuneless in its gritty vocal approach of drummer Lewis Tocker, one cannot deny the charm of this rumbling, ballsy ten-track affair. But for me the band is more forceful and fluid when bassist Dan Mortimer takes over the vocal reigns on three of the tracks (‘Still Alive & Kicking’, ‘Dark Dreaming’ and ‘Alone In The Oaks’), it’s here when the band sounds most authentic like some veterans of the scene ripping up the bar and stampeding the stage. Whatever frontman you choose though, Armageddon Gun has really taken the bull by the horns with this rockin’ opus which is simplistic but extremely catchy, tenacious and streetwise in its swagger.

‘Still Alive & Kicking’ is just a straight down the line galloper with solid percussion and bass, and the guitar sound just takes it all a step further to the extent that there’s an almost doomy play here. And Mortimer continues to show his vocal class on the superb ‘Dark Dreaming’, which again is fired by excellent axe work and a seriously evil riff and dank percussive thud. It’s probably my favourite number on this debut, but there’s further joys from Mortimar’s vocals with the creeping, simmering ‘Alone In The Oaks’, where again there’s that rainy, quintessentially British feel.

It’s not all bad as far as Lewis Tocker is concerned vocally. His rasp is more punky and aggressive, particularly with opener ‘Ravaged By Time’ and on the bass led, and almost funky flavour of ‘The Scraggard (Howlin’)’… a rare struttin’ peacock pout in a sense.

Musically, these guys don’t put a foot wrong. ‘Smart Kills’ is oily and snarling and features some excellent bass work, ‘Panzerchild’ borders on thrash frenzy with its razor riffage, while the cover of Tank’s ‘Chain Of Fools’ is effectively executed.

And that’s where we are at with Armstrong Gun; powerful, organic Brit’ rock that strides cocksure because of the punch it packs. Just slap on ‘In These Trembling Hands’ and I dare you not to tap or nod along as Cameron Smith’s axe work leads us into the back alleys and barrooms of Southern England.

I’m assuming these guys have named themselves after the Victorian-era weapon, an apt moniker for such a fully-loaded metallic assault on the senses. Now, how about getting Dan Mortimer on the vocals permanently?

Neil Arnold

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