Forming in 2021, in London UK, War Grave put out two standalone singles in ’23, before really making the metal scene sit up and take notice with their 2024 self titled EP.
Metal through and through, that first EP drew deeply on the traditions of the genre and brought them bang up to date with drive, energy and enthusiasm. Since the release of War Grave, the band have worked tirelessly, performing with the likes of Uridium, Fury, Ghosts Of Atlantis and many more, all the while honing their musical abilities and song writing craft. And now the results of those endeavours are about to be revealed…it’s time for the full length debut album from War Grave to be unleashed – Free Will!
Despite the critical acclaim afforded the War Grave EP, the strides that the band have taken with Free Will are stunning. Opening with the one-two hammer blow of intro ‘The Foreshadowing‘ and title track, ‘Free Will‘ itself, War Grave take the listener on a momentous journey through the power, emotion and thrilling impact of heavy metal.
From the instantly addictive melodies and choruses of first single, ‘Break These Chains‘, to the rolling, tumbling, cascading riffs and incendiary energy of the epic of Norse myth and magic, ‘Wolf And Raven‘, War Grave have blended songs of distinct, diverse character into a streamlined, cohesive album that captivates from start to finish. The shifts in tone and dynamics from the moody, atmospheric ‘Light ‘Em Up‘ to the metallic extravaganza of ‘Rise Of The Titans‘, to the climactic epic exploration of the tragedies of war that is ‘Forever With Me‘ are magnificent. With outstanding personal performances from every band member, Free Will is a momentous entry into the annals of heavy metal.
Producer Charlie Wilson Jnr. (Torchbearer, Graven Image etc), who also worked on the War Grave EP, has captured all the depth, intensity and vital vibrancy of Free Will, showcasing every essential element of the War Grave sound – the soaring vocals, the array of superb riffs, the deft rhythm work and the mind blowing solos. When Free Will is released on September 26th, complete with the detailed artwork of long term War Grave collaborator Heribertus M Miftakhuddin, aka Speedwhore (Dead House, Sunsetter etc), grab it fast and join the inevitable ascent of one of the UK’s finest new metal bands.
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