Gnasch - Low Slow Woe

Labels: Self-Released

Formats: Digital

Release Date: 17th May 2023

Tracklist:

1. Low

2. Slow

3. Woe

After an impromptu week off it's time to wind myself back up to a return to the day job and more importantly, the blog. I have tried to get on top of my inbox but as this evening's review demonstrates... I've failed. I must wholeheartedly apologise to Bristolian sludge/doom band Gnasch for that, as Russ (vocalist) took the time to write to me back in the latter half of last year. The band's debut demo Spite At The End Of The Tunnel was released back in August 22; but I've chosen to review their more recent EP Low Slow Woe, which was released in May of this year.

Gnasch formed in 2021 and features drummer Samuel Smith (Woodland Creatures), guitarist Will Turner Duffin (Row of Ashes, ex-Sonance) and vocalist Russel Barron (ex-Body Harvest, Warrior Pope and Vyral). Additionally, this EP features guest vocals from Jörgen Sandström (The Project Hate MCMXCIX, ex-Entombed, Grave and more) on songs 2 and 3 and additional guitar work from Nicklas Rudolfsson (Necrocurse, Runemagick, ex-Sacramentum and more) on all songs.

Gnasch brings out the hatred-of-mankind feeling that’s been festering within me since yesterday (for reasons I won’t go into). EP opener ‘Low’ is sufficiently heavy, reminding me of old Sea Bastard and On Pain Of Death while also being melodic and short enough not to allow things to linger. To my surprise, Gnasch played alongside LockerSludge back in April, a band I fondly featured here many moons ago. It’s great to see that they’re still going.

Anyway with that bit of nostalgia aside, ‘Slow’ is up next and it’s a bit of a beast in both sound and song-length. It’s no big surprise that there’s a nod to slam given Russ’s previous endeavours in death metal band Body Harvest (Comatose Music alumni). That nod is delivered drenched in sludge though, so don’t be fooled. Proper detuned riffing, ringing-feedback, trance-inducing drums and dread-filled vocals all combine to great effect. In the paragraph above I mentioned two bands that were affiliated to the early days of Manchester’s Dry Cough Records. That wasn’t on purpose but I reckon Gnasch would be right up Andy’s street. 

EP closer ‘Woe” is more uptempo, while really benefiting from the added Swe-death vocal and guitar work delivered by both Jörgen Sandström, and Nicklas Rudolfsson respectively (more so than before).The atmosphere that’s created leans towards death metal again, unsurprisingly, yet Gnasch lose none of their authentic sound either.

It’s easier than ever for bands and musicians to collaborate across great distances, and to be honest metal now is better because of it. I’m beginning to feel a bit guilty for not starting with Gnasch’s first demo but  their latest release is still a great place to begin. There’s a new EP on the way apparently, so now’s the time to get acquainted. Top stuff from another really promising addition to the UK underground!.

You can stream and purchase Low Slow Woe as a name-your-price download from Gnasch below:-

Gnasch - https://www.facebook.com/GnaschUK