Can we expect burning riffs to melt our faces off?
Citing influences such as Anthrax, Alice in Chains and Metallica, it immediately proves promising that three-piece Electric Furnace have built themselves upon solid foundations. The four track debut EP 'Sound & Fury' may only feel like a brief introduction to the heavy metal newcomers, but it could only be a matter of time before this trio are stuffing hideously monstrous riffs down your throat.
The trio storm into life with 'Goodnight Bloodsuckers,' and based on the competence displayed in this opener alone, it seems unlikely that the band will have trouble gaining acceptance within the British metal scene. The hard-hitting metallers crank up the energy as they embark upon 'Death at High Noon,' sacrificing the satisfaction offered by the raging riffs, but compensating with an extra dose of adrenaline. 'The Battle of Llantrisant' particularly impresses, with Gareth Westwood's robust bass lines pairing off with Alex Kilby's harmonized guitar leads considerably well. Frantic finisher 'Mother's Ruin' sustains the excitement right until the very end, pulling the cord to end the life of this EP unusually abruptly.
As the EP progresses, the influence of punk rock begins to subtlety surface; not surprising given that Electric Furnace was the rising phoenix from the ashes of the South Wales punk band First Among Equals. Despite this pressing influence, the trio have remained true to their vision and delivered four tracks of riff-centric heavy metal.
'Sound & Fury' is a respectable debut, but is not quite as aggressive as the EP title may lead you to believe. Considering they are only a three-piece outfit, Electric Furnace have a decent sound, even if it somewhat deficient of originality. It is, however, early days for the Welsh group and based on this twenty minute debut, things are about to get a whole lot hotter.