Soldierfield formed in 2011 and immediately impressed with the ‘bury the ones we love’ EP (2012) which caused a major, and thoroughly deserved, stir in music press across the board. It has taken the band two years to follow that EP up, but it is clear that the time has been well spent honing the edge that appeared so razor sharp back in 2012 and developing a truly killer album with which to slay the competition. The wait, it is satisfying to report, has been more than worth it. Fronted by Leigh Oakes, a consummate and engaging presence, Soldierfield are a band whose power and integrity shine forth in this blistering debut. The mains strength of Soldierfield arguably lies in the ability of the band to temper their monumental riffs with memorable melodies that remain in the mind long after the initial adrenalin rush wears off. As a result, ‘Catharsis’ is one of those records that warrants, and often demands, repeated spins.
With a brief, atmospheric introduction, ‘the light’ sees the band hit the ground running with a searing riff that is captured with blistering intensity by Steve Wray’s stunning production job which sounds entirely comparable to any one of the million dollar producers found on major label releases elsewhere. Leigh immediately demonstrates his versatility delivering a performance that matches depth and melody with a vicious bite whilst Andy Trott and Steve Wray clearly enjoy laying down the punishing riffs. It’s a brilliant opening song and one that perfectly sets the tone of the album – no compromise and no quarter: this is Soldierfield exactly as they want to sound. ‘Beautiful lie’ opens amidst static and feedback before the band peal out another brutal riff and the song achieves the sort of potent slow-mo groove that makes you want to head-bang your way to an aneurysm. With hints of Trivium and Alice in chains present in the band’s DNA, this is powerful, melodic rock at its finest, and there’s no denying the infectious power of the chorus. ‘The only war’ sees the pace slow as the band indulge in an acoustic introduction, thus offering a touch of light and shade to the release. With harmonised guitars and throbbing bass, it is an atmospheric opening to a song that showcases a very different side to the band as the track wouldn’t sound out of place on Paradise Lost’s ‘One second’ album albeit with some considerable heavier riffs in the latter stages of the song. It’s the sort of epic metal track that made Soldierfield’s first EP so damned exciting and it’s clear that in the interim between that EP and now the band have only got better. Heading back into heavier pastures, ‘burn bright’ sees excellent drummer Jeff Singer making his presence felt as the track kicks off with a potent tattoo and some brutal riffs before everything is stripped back for a relatively restrained verse. ‘Monochrome’ sees the band playing with electronic flourishes as the track opens with a heavily filtered riff before the whole thing solidifies into some massive, crunchy riffing and another, typically powerful chorus.
Providing a break at the heart of the album, ‘Ghosts’ has a lighter touch and sees the band veering from radio-friendly territory into a full on riff-fest with ease. ‘New religion’ has a delicate acoustic intro which stands at odds with the grinding riffs found within, and the track proves to be one of the albums heaviest, Leigh delivering one of his best performances on a demanding song. The title track is an acoustic lament, complete with strings, that sees Leigh give an impassioned performance over a backing that sits somewhere between the Smashing Pumpkins and Pearl Jam. It is but a calm moment before the shimmering intro of ‘nothing left’ dissolves into a frothing whirlwind of catastrophically heavy riffs and ferocious percussion. A storming track, ‘nothing left’ is the sort of full-tilt, yet melodic metal that Soldierfield do so incredibly well and, as the penultimate track, it proves to be a late highlight of the album. The record finishes with ‘cut the ties’, a taut, radio-friendly rocker that sees the album out on a heavy, yet reflective note.
Overall Soldierfield have done well to build upon the incredibly strong foundations laid by their EP. Not easily classifiable, the band draw from a wide range of influences with hints of Alice in chains, paradise lost, smashing pumpkins, Metallica and Trivium all present in their DNA and the result is a powerfully melodic and memorable album that also successfully packs an almighty punch. There are so few bands now crafting music that could easily find its way onto the radio and yet which also has power and passion behind it, and yet Soldierfield walk that line perfectly and, in a just world, they’d be peering out from the covers of magazines the world over. If you dig riff heavy yet melodic rock with real bite, then Soldierfield’s debut album is an essential addition to your collection.
