As far back as 2017, I was reviewing Stormbringer records and saying that “Born A Dying Breed” was “a fabulous example of how good hard rock can still be.”
Nearly a decade later, the Northamptonshire quintet are proving the point all over again – except this time they’ve broadened the horizons and hardened the edges.
“Transcendence” sees Stormbringer working with Russ Russell, the legendary metal producer whose credits stretch from Napalm Death to The Wildhearts, and his influence is evident throughout. Everything sounds bigger, heavier and sharper, but never at the expense of the songs.
“Energy” – that’s precisely what the opening track brings. It also delivers a proper solo and all the hard rock intent you could want. “Busy Doing Nothing” has something of an early Soundgarden feel as it takes aim at online activism, while “Other Of 2” is simply a brilliant hard rock song – one that clearly means something. Full of light and shade, its haunting harmonies linger.
The bass swaggers through “Dirt And Bone”, the choruses are built for bigger stages and those self-confessed “grunge flavours” become increasingly apparent. Then there’s “Grow”. My brother used to play the first Soil record to death, and this would have fitted right in.
I’m a huge Alice In Chains fan, and as Mike Stockley channels his inner Layne Staley on “Cut The Vein”, Stormbringer nail that sense of darkness without ever sounding like mere imitators.
The acoustics come out for “All Along” – at least to start with – before it develops a more metallic chug. “Whole Again” is another signpost showing that Stormbringer are upping their game here. Anyone hoping for an Atomic Kitten cover – I know I was – will be disappointed, but absolutely no one else should be.
“Scapegoat” is another step down an increasingly classy road, before “Damn You All” ensures that the anger simmering just below the surface is no longer concealed.
Northamptonshire has produced its share of brilliant bands, from Empyre to Raging Speedhorn. Here’s another.
Because if the name Stormbringer had you expecting something rooted solely in classic rock, forget it. “Transcendence” has, well, transcended that. This is heavier, darker and more contemporary, but it retains the hooks and sheer quality that made the band so impressive in the first place.
Together, they’ve made the finest record of their career.
Rating: 9/10
