October File - Holy Armour from the Jaws of God
Candlelight - CDL335 - November 20th, 2007
By Paddy Walsh
October File inhabit the sphere of groove-based metal as seen by the likes of Killing Joke, Ministry, Prong and Helmet, but it is Killing Joke's influence which is all over Holy Armour from the Jaws of God like a rash. This is aided in no small part by the presence of Killing Joke's Jaz Coleman at the mic, coupled with the bass-heavy slabs of pummelling riffage to be found on offer. October File have plenty to offer the discerning metalhead, and successfully straddle a distinct punk/hardcore influence that works much better than anything most metalcore bands have to offer.
Featuring a raw, fuzzy bass sound that acts as the anchor behind the 10 tracks to be found on this disc, October File set about laying waste to your senses via a knack for fast-paced, pulverising riffs not unlike those found on Prong albums, but as mentioned it is indeed Killing Joke who are the most obvious reference point, and at times Holy Armour... might sound like an unofficial sequel to Killing Joke's Hosannahs from the Basement of Hell were it not for some truly superb songwriting moments throughout to lift it above such lazy comparisons. 'High Octane Climate Changer' features a nicely placed quiet breakdown before the bass rumbles back into action in an apt and devastating fashion, whilst 'Another Day' is actually quite catchy, its riffs soaring beneath Coleman's relentless shouting. At times some of the faster-paced tracks end up sounding reminiscent of Ministry sans the industrial leanings, but October File, whilst wearing their influences on their sleeves, never let themselves become too indebted to them, and as a debut album Holy Armour... is a properly entertaining helping of unadulterated riff-based metal. Lyrically, October File are firmly in the Al Jourgensen camp of sociopolitical bluntness, which for metal of this ilk almost seems a prerequisite. Holy Armour... comes recommended to those fed up with every band trying to outgun each other in the weirdness stakes and who just want to, erm, get gunned down by some excellent riffs instead. After all, isn't that why you began listening to metal in the first place?
Official October File Website
Official Candlelight Records Website
Candlelight - CDL335 - November 20th, 2007
By Paddy Walsh
October File inhabit the sphere of groove-based metal as seen by the likes of Killing Joke, Ministry, Prong and Helmet, but it is Killing Joke's influence which is all over Holy Armour from the Jaws of God like a rash. This is aided in no small part by the presence of Killing Joke's Jaz Coleman at the mic, coupled with the bass-heavy slabs of pummelling riffage to be found on offer. October File have plenty to offer the discerning metalhead, and successfully straddle a distinct punk/hardcore influence that works much better than anything most metalcore bands have to offer.
Featuring a raw, fuzzy bass sound that acts as the anchor behind the 10 tracks to be found on this disc, October File set about laying waste to your senses via a knack for fast-paced, pulverising riffs not unlike those found on Prong albums, but as mentioned it is indeed Killing Joke who are the most obvious reference point, and at times Holy Armour... might sound like an unofficial sequel to Killing Joke's Hosannahs from the Basement of Hell were it not for some truly superb songwriting moments throughout to lift it above such lazy comparisons. 'High Octane Climate Changer' features a nicely placed quiet breakdown before the bass rumbles back into action in an apt and devastating fashion, whilst 'Another Day' is actually quite catchy, its riffs soaring beneath Coleman's relentless shouting. At times some of the faster-paced tracks end up sounding reminiscent of Ministry sans the industrial leanings, but October File, whilst wearing their influences on their sleeves, never let themselves become too indebted to them, and as a debut album Holy Armour... is a properly entertaining helping of unadulterated riff-based metal. Lyrically, October File are firmly in the Al Jourgensen camp of sociopolitical bluntness, which for metal of this ilk almost seems a prerequisite. Holy Armour... comes recommended to those fed up with every band trying to outgun each other in the weirdness stakes and who just want to, erm, get gunned down by some excellent riffs instead. After all, isn't that why you began listening to metal in the first place?
Official October File Website
Official Candlelight Records Website
