Formed in 2019, ROPE is a traditional heavy metal band from Seattle, WA. Featuring members of Terra Morta, Blood Atonement, Solicitor, and Owlbear, the band blends a wide range of influences from 80s metal to glam to black metal for a unique and playful sound that is displayed on latest EP “Red Nights”.
“Red Nights” consists of two new original tracks that are independent of ROPE’s self-titled debut album, which was released last year. The tracks on the record are a good indicator of the band’s style, which they have dubbed “Dark Glam” on their Bandcamp site.
ROPE
Into the Night
A measured intro precedes a boisterous but, but not too furious, tempo as “Into the Night” kicks into gear. The harmonised vocals between vocalists Annie and Margot convey the song’s theme of rebuking a duplicitous lover in an evocative manner. Although all the artists in ROPE have played in metal bands, they are able to delve into classic rock territory with aplomb. The verses feature some gorgeous Thin Lizzy-esque guitar melodies without ever becoming derivative.
Red Nails
“Red Nails” on the other hand is a darker beast. Early on it betrays the thrash influences on guitarist Matt Vogan with some intricate and aggressive riffing. But this aggression is still melded to a hook-laden hard rock sensibility. With Annie’s scathing vocal delivery, I was reminded of the likes of Courtney Love in places. The middle-eight section of “Red Nails” conjures a mental descent that is accentuated when the dual guitar soloing is fully unleashed during an impressive climax.
Overall, “Red Nights” is a record that will have strong appeal for regular readers of this site. It comfortably fuses the aggression of metal with classic hard rock and is a must for fans of the likes of Midnight Dice and Crossed Hearts.
ROPE are:
Annie: vocals/guitar
Margot: vocals/drums
Leona Hayward: bass
Matt Vogan: guitar
ROPE Bandcamp: https://rope-band.bandcamp.com/album/red-nights
The Nwothm 
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