Fourth studio album by the post-hardcore outfit from Long Island, ‘Holding A Wolf By The Ears’ is also the first release since the departure of the bands original singer, Ben Perri, and finds them looking to resurrect their career following the lukewarm reception to their last album, ‘Abandon Your Friends’. Drummer Fran Mark has now assumed the role of frontman and handles both the ‘scream’ and ‘clean’ parts of the vocals having previously only been responsible for the latter.  

An intense combination of emo, hardcore and no nonsense metal this album grabs you by the throat (or should that be the ears) straight from the opening ‘Death Kult Social Club’ and doesn’t let up for the next 40 minutes. As a vocalist Mark enjoys a number of inspired moments throughout, none more so than with the powerful delivery of the opening verse here:- On the might of kings and captains / On the eyes of midnight watchmen / I know my hatred is perfect for the culprit. 

The key aspect of this bands sound is how they can seamlessly blend aggression and melody, coming up with some impressive moments in what is an overcrowded genre. There is an energy and enthusiasm about this band that reminds me at times of SikTh, although it has to be said that FATA do lack the diversity and singularity of Watford’s finest. All of the tracks clock in at around the three minute mark and are delivered at the same (breakneck) speed and it would have been interesting if they had perhaps mixed things up a little more. With little variation from the blueprint this is an album that offers the listener an unyielding expression of angst and anxiety, with an injection of melody amidst all of the chaos. 

There are some extremely catchy moments on this CD, one of them being the chorus of second track ‘On The Offensive’ which really brings this song to life following the chugging verses. Another track with a very tuneful chorus is ‘Daylight Slaving’, one of the more easily accessible songs for those hearing FATA for the first time. Including a heavy breakdown, churning guitars and surging rhythms this one could be an ideal future single. Other highlights are the hard and dark, ‘Underpass Tutorial’, and the crunching guitar work on ‘Love It Or Left It’ and ‘Travel’.  

This is one album I’ll be listening to for a while yet and, following the internal turmoil of the past year or two, one which has assured that the future of FATA is in safe hands. 

Out now on Vagrant Records.

Let us know your views on 'Holding A Wolf By The Ears'

Track Listing

Deth Kult Social Club
On The Offensive
Recounts And Recollections
Daylight Slaving
Delusions Of Grandeur
Sensory Deprivation Adventure
Everything I Need
Underpass Tutorial
Love It Or Left It
Travel
Goat In Sheep's Rosary
Pioneers

 Line Up

Francis Mark - Lead Vocals
Brian Deneeve - Guitar and vocals
Josh Newton - Bass and vocals
Rob Lauritsen - Guitar
Jeff Gretz - Drums