THÅRN - Collisions

Labels: Surviving Sounds/Trepanation Recordings

Formats: CD/Tape/Digital

Release Date: 12 Nov 2021

Tracklist:

1. The Way

2. Replacements

3. Mute

4. Shadow Of Another

I'm trying to keep some kind of momentum going this week, though I'm still nowhere near the end of my inbox (hence why this review is coming so late!). THÅRN is a sludge/post-metal duo from London and their debut album Collisions was released last November via both Surviving Sounds and Trepanation Recordings. The band is made up of Jérôme Barré (of Finis Omnivm, Screensaver) on guitar/vocals and Luke Booth (of We Never Learned To Live, ex-Human Future) on bass/vocals, as well as Gary Marsden providing session drums.

I’m writing this after a day that’s surprised me. THÅRN’s opener on Collisions ‘The Way’ is the absolute perfect blend of post-metal and post-hardcore. Delivered in the simplest and most effective form, with vocals that stand out due to their live/organic nature. The guitar, bass and drums that make up the mighty instrumental heft are out of this world as well. ‘The Way’ is a relatively short song (given the band’s approach) but it’s utterly perfect as an opener. On ‘Replacements’ I’m reminded of early Dry Cough Records band Voe, whose album Rvst I still find utterly mesmerising. THÅRN carries that same mantle here with atmospheric and melodic guitar, coupled with the biggest of rhythm sections. The harsh vocals have a slightly higher tone than that of Voe but fit the colourfulness (musically) of the record as a whole. The slides into lengthy introspective passages give space, which in turn give the heavier sections more impact.

For a band with as much power as THÅRN, to call a song ‘Mute’, there must be some kind of hidden message (that I can’t pick out). I don’t need to understand it either to be honest because the song can speak for itself, pardon the pun. It’s a calmer, instrumental-led piece that contains semi-whispered/spoken vocals that sit deep within it’s first few minutes, before the band builds in volume once again. That build leads to more of their majestic heaviness. In fact, there’s definitely a very euphoric feeling that comes from the explosiveness of it all. Closing song ‘Shadow Of Another’ is just as euphoric. Heck, maybe even more so. The shout-from-the-rooftops post-hardcore is what draws you in and it doesn’t let go of you. There’s such a moreish tone to everything here, which comes as no surprise given that it was recorded/mixed by the always consistently brilliant Joe Clayton ( at No Studio, Manchester). It was mastered by Will Killingsworth of Orchid no less (at Dead Air Studios), which adds an extra depth to the album as well.

As Collisions comes to an end with copious amounts of feedback, there’s a moment to reflect on the artwork that adorns this release (by Jérôme). It fits brilliantly with the music contained within. This release underlines the quality that exists throughout the UK heavy music community. THÅRN are excellent and I for one can’t wait to hear what they release next. Hats off must also go to Surviving Sounds and Trepanation Recordings for spreading this release further too. Thanks to Frenchie for bringing this to my attention.

For Fans Of: Voe, We Never Learned To Live, Still, Hope Drone and Infant Island

You can stream and purchase Collisions digitally, and pick up merch below:-

THÅRN - https://www.facebook.com/THARNDOOM

Physical copies can still be purchased from the labels below:-

Surviving Sounds - https://survivingsounds.bandcamp.com/merch

Trepanation Recordings - https://trepanationrecordings.bandcamp.com/merch