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SOUL GRINDER
Queen Corrosia EP

Self-released (2022)
Rating: 8/10

Channelling the early days of Mötley Crüe and W.A.S.P., this Portland, Oregon-based clan has seemingly emerged from nowhere, although they’ve actually been around since 2016 but have gone, somewhat, under the radar.

I have to say that the band moniker just doesn’t fit their metallic fire which has spanned two singles, two EP’s (including this one) and 2019’s debut full-length The Prophecy Of Blight. Oddly, these guys also seem to have a distinctly European feel to their vibe. But don’t let this short, three-track offering get away, because this is some chunky shock rock bristling with the sort of meaty dynamics which made Crüe, circa Too Fast For Love, so hellish.

The opening title track bursts from the traps with an infectious chug and the Crüe / W.A.S.P. similarities rain down immediately. Vocalist April Dimmick (who is also member of Skull Throne) has an interesting snarling tone straight from the mid-80s design. Her bass also rumbles with equal ominous aplomb in tandem to the sturdy drum nods of Kevin Ross, while axeman Alex Avery torches proceedings to make this a truly riotous affair.

The speedy ‘Divide And Conquer’ has true thrash origins, bounding effortlessly like a scorching furnace of galloping dynamism, and the aforementioned ‘Queen Corrosia’ simmers nicely before the riffage chugs, the bass clanks and the percussion stomps. Cue images then of fog machines, laser lights, denim, leather and glinting axes as the trio channels that vintage Crüe stickiness married to a W.A.S.P.-cum-Lizzy Borden scowl.

The band exudes menace and anthemic glory, more so with those soaring commands on that title cut. But the whole thing just rattles with a vicious fury before the fizzing ‘Brain Rot’ rattles its cage, then takes flight through mangled bars like a cavorting dragon snarling with those vocal wisps and the metallic drive.

This EP, which runs for such a short duration, oozes attitude as influences ranging from Hellion to Judas Priest are mashed and spat forth like dazzling streaks of fiery light. And yet through their seemingly simple design there’s a peculiarly engaging aura about the band, from that fetching cover art to Dimmick’s mesmerising yet ear burning lungs which have enabled the band to tour with a variety of acts within the genre.

It’s a shame that this EP is merely a brief teaser, as it’s been too long since The Prophecy Of Blight. However, if you like your metal heavy and fusing all manner of acts from Holy Moses to Metal Church and Détente yet with a theatrical metal core, then jump into the fire of Soul Grinder.

Neil Arnold

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