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Try as one might, it’s impossible to begin a review of the debut album from Bolton-based quartet Unknown Refuge without mentioning their age. Age shouldn’t matter at all, you’re either good enough or you’re not. The fact that these four young guys are all under the age of 20 only becomes relevant when it’s apparent how strong ‘From The Darkness’ actually is, and that is apparent after the first run-through of the album. The first of many.
One of the most pleasing aspects of the album is the restraint shown by the band. You only release your debut album once, and Unknown Refuge (led by vocalist/bassist Alex Mancini) have chosen wisely in keeping the album to ten tracks (including the short instrumental title track). The urge to go with quantity rather than quality blights many bands today, regardless of age and experience, and it’s not uncommon to come face-to-face with a fourteen or fifteen-track album that sags in the middle. No such worry here for Unknown Refuge (completed by Morgan Deveney on drums, lead guitarist Jack Tracey, and newest member Harry Skinner on rhythm guitar) have kept it lean, and not allowed any filler material to creep in. The listener can easily digest the album, from start-to-finish, in one sitting, and still have enough appetite to come back to the table for seconds.
Once the aforementioned instrumental title track fades out, the razor-sharp, thrashy riffage of ‘To The Light’ kicks in, and the band are off at a galloping pace. There is an early ‘80s NWOBHM feel in places, but one with modern production values. The short breakdown of crystal clear basslines and a melodic guitar solo might not be directly influenced by Maiden, but given that every band since 1980 (from Metallica right through to Alter Bridge) has been influenced by Maiden in some way or another, the influence is there. There’s also an Alter Bridge influence on the music, in particular, the guitar work from Jack Tracey, which at times carries both the melodies that Myles Kennedy is known for and the trademark Mark Tremonti power and crunch; ‘Kicked To The Floor’ is a great example of the latter, although you could just as easily pick up on a ‘Hail To The King’ era Avenged Sevenfold vibe to Tracey’s playing.
Great work from Morgan Deveney behind the kit on the opening salvo, again, restraint being a keyword when describing Unknown Refuge, and Morgan has it in spades as he delivers just what each song needs rather than overplaying. He must have been chomping at the bit on ‘Battle Hymn’, and is let loose over the rhythmic opening which soon explodes into one almighty jam which should give the neck muscles a great workout. A full minute of music goes by before the vocals from Alex Mancini come in, warm and confident, full of life. The standard of playing is at times staggering, as is the variety on offer; hints of Metallica throughout the riffage, shades of Volbeat when the band turns their groove on during the breakdown about three minutes in. The groove hangs around on ‘Shadows’, which although it begins in a similar vein to Anthrax covering Joe Jackson’s ‘Got The Time’, it doesn’t go down the same punk-ish route, instead, it turns left and settles down with a killer groove-metal. Great vocals from Mancini on a track that thrills from the off.
‘Palace Walls’ kicks off the latter stage of the album with sludgy riffs injected with melodic fills, and some powerful drum work from Deveney. Musically, it’s a heavy track with Mancini and Deveney teaming up to lay down a solid foundation that allows Tracey to dazzle with his lead guitar work. Although it is a heavier moment, the sense of melody is never too far away, similar to ‘If The Gods Be Good’, a heavier few minutes, but with insanely catchy melodies and huge vocal hooks. Even when the band floors it on ‘I’m Not a Bad Guy’ they don’t forget the importance of a strong melody.
‘From the Darkness’ is a fantastic opening statement from a young band beginning its musical journey. With Academy-sized tours still at risk during 2021, the return of grassroots gigs is a more viable option, the old-guard won’t be around forever and the bands out there ready to give the scene a transfusion of new blood need support. Share their posts, buy the CD, buy the merch, keep the wheels turning.
Available March 26th, order direct from the band, here.
Review – Dave
Band photo – Christopher James Ryan Photography
