“Head-On” are a 4 piece group formed in and around the Reading area that initially stormed onto the rock circuit way back in 2003.  Since then they have managed to build up quite a significant, and very loyal, fan base around the UK with their intense and highly charismatic live shows.  The band line up is Oz on guitar, The Boss on bass, Mark Logan vocals and Effon on drums. 

“XXL” was initially a self financed recording that went down a storm with all who heard it and, following on from touring throughout the UK with the likes of Skid Row and Fozzy back in 2005, they managed to get themselves a record deal and are consequently re-releasing XXL on the remaining, unsuspecting, British public at the end of October with a few extra tracks thrown in for good measure.   

This is an album that is pure heavy metal from start to finish, real male testosterone fuelled beats and riffs that will quite simply blow you away.  The vocals from Mark come out really heavy, growling and almost crunchy at times, not too far away from a Lemmy style, but with a bit more melody about them that make the words easier to listen too and help the melody line stand out more.  They are backed up by some fantastic guitar playing from Oz.  He is the type of guitarist that would stand out in any crowd, able to bang out power chords, fills and huge riffs all day with more than his fair share of skill and aplomb, like in “Fuel the Greed” and “Wrecking Ball”, then switch styles without a flicker and push out acoustic tracks like “Found my way” and “Blood Flowers” which show off his musical abilities to great effect.  As usual the bass player and drummer are always the last to get mentioned in most reviews, almost as if they were an after-thought, but The Boss (bass) and Effon (drums) seem to be the backbone to the musical style of “Head-On”, their incessant bass beat and awesome drumming provides a firm footing for Oz and Mark to build on.   

“Head-On” have a sound that is best described as heavy groove metal, although the band also incorporates bluesy and southern influences as well as melodic and acoustic moments.  They are not only highly capable rockers, they are talented enough to play the more melodic styles of rock, and do it really well 

It would seem that “Head-On” started off with a simple plan, to play no nonsense balls out metal, regardless of trends, and to tackle the scene Head-On!  From what I have heard so far, this plan is working a treat.  I have noticed that the pendulum of musical trends seems to be swaying back towards the Rockier side of the fence, and I can imagine that when it reaches its Zenith, “Head-On” will be there with a smile on their face, a creditable back catalogue of albums, and hopefully a lot of money in the bank. 

“XXL” is a very good release, especially when you remember that it was initially a self financing effort, and is well worth a place in the library of anyone who listens to Rock.  More fuel to your fire lads, keep it going.

Let us know your views on 'XXL'

Track List

XXL
Break The Walls Down
Sunrise
Here Comes The Hammer
Fire Is Lit
Wrecking Ball
Found My Way
Stomp
Fuel The Greed
Breaking Point
Blackened Day

Line Up

Oz - Guitars
Mark Logan - Vocals
Effon - Drums
The Boss - Bass