Review by Lydia Evans for MPM
Valhalla Awaits released their third EP on 8th March 2024. The five-piece hard rock band is from South Wales and is described as coming “with big riffs and even bigger melodies”.
Inspired by the likes of Stone Temple Pilots, Alice in Chains, Metallica and Incubus, and forming from bands such as Revoker, Buffalo Summer, The Blackout, Dead City and Sentry, the band has been
rocking since 2019.
Listening, the band’s influences are evident on this EP, yet Valhalla Awaits still sounds modern and fresh. The first song is Door of No Return. It’s filled with heavy guitars and hard rock vocals that soar. With a shredding guitar solo, the band hits that line between hard rock and metal.
Staring At The Gun has another heavy yet catchy riff. The rhythm section thunders against the distorted lead guitar. We see a more emotional side of the music in Is There Anybody Out There. The vocals are passionate and the chorus is high-powered.
The melodic bass particularly stands out to me on this track and overall, Is There Anybody Out There is my favourite.
We Remain has the touch of the 90s alternative rock sound in the instrumentals. I love the juxtaposition of the muddy guitars against the energetic vocals in this EP.
All Hope is Lost also has deep, powerful vocals against a muddy riff and here I can really hear their influences shine through. As the song fades away, it leaves an impression and a good one.
The band has been playing some shows already this year. They will be supporting Phil Campbell and the Bastard Sons on 11th May at the Corn Exchange Newport.
Valhalla Awaits is:
Lead Vocals – Andrew Hunt
Guitar/Vocals – Chris Green
Guitar – Rhys Carter
Bass – Sam Kilby – Bass
Drums/Vocals – Gareth “Snoz” Lawrence
Connect with Valhalla Awaits:
. Linktree: https://linktr.ee/Valhallaawaits
. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ValhallaAwaitsband
. YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChshnjLaWsAphDvO9ybzXug
. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/valhallaawaitsband/
