Not long to wait now before you will be able to get your grubby little mitts on the debut EP from Canada’s own Nervcast.
Locked and Loaded was released on October 21, 2017, on the band’s own Nervcast label and the quartet deliver a thrilling, accomplished and thoroughly professional first outing.
Whilst only containing four songs and totaling 15 minutes, Nervcast manage to cram so much onto the EP, from classic rock to old school thrash and all genres in between. It really is quite a feat.
The Toronto based outfit consists of Everett Mason on guitar and vocals, Kevin Daliri on guitar, Galen Weir on bass, and Matthew Humphreys on drums and all have a big say on Locked and Loaded. To help them on their way they have enlisted the services of producer/engineer Collin Young (Animal Faces, Godstopper, Yonder Peak), with the mastering being taken care of by Joey Sturgis (Asking Alexandria, The Devil Wears Prada).
Opening this teasing treat is “Chemical Solution” which is most definitely early-era Metallica influenced. From the pumping opening riffs to shouty James Hetfield vocals from his early days, this is an homage to their Bay Area thrash heroes. Whilst being a fairly basic track is has fire in its belly and metal in its heart.
“Fallen Angels” follows which has a slower and more atmospheric feel. It’s right up to date too, bringing to mind Shinedown; well up until the speedy solo that is.
A cracking foot-tapping, head-banging riff opens “Moonstruck” which is a belter. More melodic than the preceding two efforts this has 1980’s hard rock at its soul. Great happier sounding vocals and a top solo. Right up my boulevard.
To finish this mini gem comes the title track and we’re back to classic thrash. It’s got the stomping riffs and vocals of classic Anthrax. Remember them stomping around the place in their three-quarter shorts and high-top sneakers? Yep, you’re on it. The song is littered with choppy riffs and drums having the fuck knocked out of them. Absolutely great fun.
If Nervcast can translate this quality into a full-length album then they’ll surely have a winner on their hands and gain many fans in the process, including me.
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