Spiders From Saigon

Review: Spiders From Saigon – ‘Spiders From Saigon’

Formerly part of groove metal outfit, Hellion Rising, North East England-based Spiders From Saigon are a new name on the scene, and with their self-titled debut album, the band has created a debut with enough quality, and variety, to please any self-respecting fan of hard rock with a metallic edge.

Spiders From Saigon are Matt Adamson (vocals), David Reay (guitar, bass, synth), and Luke Murray (drums), with various guest solos and performances by other North East musicians: for instance, Kev Smith (Lords of Ruin) provides the blazing guitar solos on several tracks. There are also no band images on their social media accounts as the band “…want to let the music stand for itself.” Quite a refreshing approach really. And one that ultimately works, because the music really does “stand for itself”. To be honest, though, the songs are so strong, it wouldn’t make a difference even if the band had their mugs plastered all over Facebook, full-on head-shots in the style of Peter from Deadpool 2’s X-Force. Yes, the songs are that strong sugar-bear.

Spiders From Saigon‘Spiders From Saigon’’s strength comes from the variety on offer. Opening track ‘Voyage to Decay’ hints at an Iron Maiden influence, but with heaps of Tom Morello-like guitar-effects. Powerful, lung-busting vocals from Adamson on a very strong album opener, and some incendiary guitar licks throughout. The band changes it up for more of a groove metal feel on ‘Beyond Lock & Key’, and the slower, sludgier feel packs an almighty right-hook. ’Centrifuge’ brings a grungier, stoner vibe to the party, touches of Alice In Chains here and there, and the shimmering vocal effects are a nice touch. Great bass lines throughout, and combined with a memorable guitar solo, the jam mid-song is pretty special indeed.

‘Triptych’ has another big-ass groove metal feel, again, the vocals are powerful, with lots of emotion and feeling. Lots of changes in tempo, with the band going down paths which takes the song in different directions. ‘Static Colour’ and ‘Roadkill Memoirs’ both feature some killer melodic guitar riffage that should have classic rock fans purring with delight. The latter, musically at least (thanks to the crunching guitars), might spark a Black Stone Cherry comparison, although the vocals are more Anselmo and Hetfield, and less Chris Robertson. There are enough changes in direction throughout the five minutes to make your head spin. The title ‘Dopers Odyssey’ might suggest 100% pure stoner, and while there is a hint of stoner throughout, it’s the short, sharp bursts of punk-meets-hardcore that thrills the most.

With only one of the 11 tracks failing to hit three minutes, Spiders From Saigon allow each song the time to grow and lead the listener off in a totally different direction than what was hinted at when the song began. When each song ends, it’s a genuine surprise not knowing what to expect next.

If, purely based on their independent status, ‘Spiders From Saigon’ struggle to get this album in front of people, then that would be a great shame, for these songs deserve to be heard.

Available now, more information here. 

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One comment

  1. Hi guys! Davey from SFS here – just wanted to say thanks so much for the kind words! Appreciate it a lot.

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