Descending from Horley, ARMSTRONG GUN are here to deliver a fat slab of British metal which calls back to the purest time of late 70s / early 80s before the world became awash with a million subgenres.

The main reason I wanted to contribute to this site was so I can discover fresh releases from bands I’ve never heard of. Today I am pleased to give my take on ARMSTRONG GUN‘s latest release, who have gained a big fan in me now!

Boasting a sound that immediately recalled the same feeling I thought when I first listened “Filth Hounds of Hades” by TANK which quickly became one of my favourite albums, ARMSTRONG GUN have done a fuckin great job here. You’re introduced quickly to the agenda of the day – raunchy storming riffs smothered with true British grit with genuine attitude which is not found very often in these Isles.

The first track awesomely named “Made of Rock and Steel” gets straight into it, with a catchy shout a long chorus and a very morish main riff. The solo is that great mix between bluesy shred and melody. The vocals are spat out with tons of swagger. “Ale Gang” continues the thunderous attack with no let up – speed isn’t the factor here it’s the momentum pulled ahead with the riffing that charges through.

“Love and War” begins with a Maiden-esque intro but enters a proto-thrash frenzy akin to speed metal bands a la EXCITER and RUNNING WILD. It needs to be said that the bass offers a lot here, not being lost in the mix but complimenting the relatively thick sound. Here we are also introduced to a different singer than the first 2 tracks, giving a more classic metal feel. The next track “Burning the Miles” returns to previous form, with a Motörcharged driving riff complemented with those gruff vocals I love. I’d say this is the best track on the album, sounding like a B side from MOTÖRHEAD’s “Rock n Roll” album with Algy Ward singing instead.

The closer “Heaven’s Gate” standouts on its own with a sound more closely associated with more a modern metal leaning, with a more ambitious structure and composition with a few different sections, it’s moody intro and clean guitar passages. It almost feels like a different band, and I was hoping for more of the rebellious metal attack I’d experienced earlier. Not to say this is bad track at all but just feels out of place.

Conclusion

A kick arse EP from a band that does the renowned British metal sound justice, with heaps of attitude and swagger. After listening to the EP I’ve gone back and discovered their earlier stuff and not dissapointed.

THENWOTHM Score: 8/10

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ArmstrongGun

Bandcamp: https://armstrong-gun.bandcamp.com/album/struck-with-steel