Life Sentence have been around for six years now and release this, their debut album next month. Their promotional material describes them as, “quite possibly the most Shitkingingest hXc sing-along band in the UK.” At least two of those words are neologisms (new words to the language), which is very rock ‘n’ roll as far as I’m concerned.   

I have to say that I was concerned when I read the following as I tend to find that often claims such as these are not backed up; Here’s what to expect: “An unbroken assault of pounding rhythm; a maelstrom of squalls, howls and grunts from the dual guitar onslaught; and vocals that will leave you reeling. Add the layers of harmony, the roars, the stops, the relentless energy and the heart-rending screams and you’ve got yourself a Life Sentence show.” However, to be fair there’s much talent on view here and evidence that these young chaps from Gravesend can pen a decent tune. 

Unfortunately, Voice of a Thousand Heroes, which opens proceedings, isn’t one of them and gave me a sense of foreboding for the rest of the album. It’s one of those dull, mainly spoken intro type thingies that is just a waste of time. Fear not though, for things pick up considerably from there on in. 

Han is nicely angry, with some very fine riffing. I’m sure with a bigger budget Life Sentence would have made the drum sound a bit bigger but that’s only a minor quibble. Weight of the World is a little gem although I have to say I’m a little disappointed that Armitage Shanks doesn’t actually seem to genuinely be about making toilets. 

Wake Up Call is raucous yet tuneful before Turn to Dusk features some – yikes, rather fetching harmony vocals at the beginning and is perhaps a little less noisy than what has gone before. Defences is a bit tuneless but brims with attitude as does the rest of the disc including the rather epic title track. 

As with other releases that cite the same influences, (Killswitch Engage, 39crazyfists, Poison The Well), I suspect that Life Sentence aren’t exactly fussed what a middle-aged old fart like myself thinks of them and certainly don’t expect people like me to but their records. If, however, the aforementioned bands float your boat and you want waking up in a loud way then Life Sentence could do it for you. I also suspect that their next album may well be even better.

Life Sentence Is Released Via Phuk Music on March 26th

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Track List

Voice Of A Thousand Heroes
Han
Weight Of The World
Armitage Shanks
Wake Up Call
Turn To Dust
Defences
The Excorcism Of Self
Violence Is A Virtue
Doctor Death
Eleventh Hour 

 Line Up

Dan Mackay - Bass/Vocals
Scott Mallard - Guitars
Jack Outred - Drums
Liam Morris - Guitars