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EP REVIEW: THE FIRES BELOW- THORNS

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Words by Anselm Anderson


Rambling Man's Reviews returns this week with another promising band from London, England. The Fires Below is a band featured on these pages last year when their debut EP, Masquerade, was reviewed. I remember describing how they would make a big impact with their grunge and punk style. Nine months later, the trio returns with "Thorns," their latest five-track release, showcasing more intensity, grooves, and metal than their previous work.

The Fires Below formed two years ago during the pandemic lockdown. The trio consists of vocalist Smithy, bassist Si and drummer Sam. They have raised their expectations for this release by incorporating more variety into the tracks. They combine desert rock, alt-metal, punk, and stoner to create a hard-hitting and cutthroat style of metal, which strikes the listener through the ears. Lead singer Smithy confessed that the trio found their identity through their energetic live performances, helping the band gain momentum before releasing an LP in the future.

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Photo Credit: Lorenzo Guerrieri



The intense groove on the opener 'Worth' reminds me of Celtic Frost. Smithy's teeth-clenching vocals sneer over the hypnotic vibes of his and Si's basslines to create an eerie stoner metal track with desert rock riffs. The frustration and anger on this release combine with structured riffs and well-timed and sardonic drumming to add to the unsettling nature of the music on display. This can be found in the tormented growls on "Too Far to Reach": a slab of doom metal with intense riffs that build to an uncomfortable climax. The album demonstrates dynamism through the band's dystopic lyrics and diverse musical styles. The dark punk on the guitar-driven "No Man's Land" is a pleasing addition with bluesy breakdowns.'Plastic Utopia' is a call to arms for climate change. The pulsating rhythms and razor-sharp riffs combine with eerie breakdowns that complement the raging Smithy on vocals.


Finally, the self-titled track "Thorns" concludes the album with alt-rock stylings, combining crunching riffs, wailing guitars, and jagged vocals to introduce a new direction for the trio. I was impressed by how the band has transformed into a metal group, showcasing numerous riffs and thought-provoking lyrics for rock enthusiasts to delve into.

Overall, The Fires Below continues to grow as a band, making waves with their mesmerising desert rock riffs and intense metal. The band marches on with their journey to make an impact on the music scene.

Rating: 4/5


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