Brotherhood of the Lake - 'Desperation is the English Way Vol.1' review

Following up Brotherhood of the Lake's excellent mini album 'Iron Sails' is this, their debut LP, 'Desperation is the English Way Vol.1'. Brotherhood of the Lake are one of the most promising in the UK Hardcore scene and this record encapsulates that fact. Pounding drums, crushing guitars and truly savage vocals all come together in the form of an album which is captivatingly violent from start to finish. You will find yourself banging your head along on many occasions and feeling an urge to simply jump around with limbs swinging to some of the highlights such as 'The Desperation', 'World To Me' and 'It's Meant To Hurt'.

Without even listening to the album you know it's going to be a bleak and dark record. From the artwork to the song titles; it's clear to see that Brotherhood of the Lake are a pretty austere group of guys, however, this certainly isn't a bad thing, the tracks serve as something of a release for anyone in that mindset I find, and you never really feel as if everything is as truly dreadful as the songs try and suggest. Whilst that could be conceived as a criticism, I feel as though that adds to the album and it enables the listener to make up their own mind on what the band are trying to convey.

My only true gripe with this album is that it isn't long enough. I could easily listen to another five or six tracks if they were added. Nevertheless, this criticism is a bit flippant because this is a trend amongst most hardcore bands and so is something that a person comes to expect, furthermore, whatever the album lacks in length it makes up for in sheer quality of songs. In addition to this, initially some of the songs can sound relatively similar, yet, with repeat listens you appreciate the uniqueness that some tracks have against others. For instance; 'Black Knives' features an unsettling acoustic intro and clean vocals before it breaks into a breakneck paced hardcore track. Overall, a great album which gets better and better with every listen. 8/10