EP Review: Halberd - Drinks All Round

There’s an old saying that goes something like, ‘Alcohol. Because no great story ever started with someone eating a salad’. Now, put aside your personal views on the fantastic tale-inducing capabilities of both salad and the demon drink, and for a moment put yourself in the position of our heroes of this tale, Halberd. Nearing the end of finishing their new album, the Southeast London thrash metal band found themselves in the unfortunate position of having their computer crash on them. Yes, you’ve guessed it, losing everything! Sorrows were to be drowned, and suitably submerged they were. Thankfully with a table of empties afore them and under the influence of much beer, the story of Drinks All Round began. 

Halberd decided to create an EP until they could get back to focusing on the album. With a sound very much in groove and thrash metal waters, although flirting with death metal flavours at times, how will a hastily created EP born out of necessity compared to the infectious, punishing aural assault that we’ve come to expect. Will we excitedly lap it up, as with previous Halberd releases? Well, in less than a minute the mid-paced blast of the title track sets the feel and the tone of what is to follow as Casey snarls Drinks All Round with a ferocious demeanour. The opener is a welcome yet nasty baptism of blackened thrash metal that more than whets the appetite. 

Next, we have Cyanide, and this gritty thrasher is a beast. Halberd are at their strongest when the rampaging quintet are locked in and unleashing that raw, vicious attack of thrash metal. Potent, stabbing, and muscular riffing, glorious leads, and brutally aggressive yet restrained blasts all combine to create a catchy yet monstrous track that will no doubt become a live staple. The hulking stomp of The Future Be None owns a swagger and menace that is a trademark of the Halberd sound. Bassist Rubix and drummer Zack steer this well-honed machine ever forward. That tightness, that controlled hold on the onward momentum is clear, and is to be commended. Here is a tale of one song with two distinct parts that works brilliantly. Having pulled into its groove effortlessly, the occasional presence of a surprising filthy, scratchy riff that summons all the very best of 90’s alternative metal is unexpected, yet very welcome. The pummelling crunch and pulsating chug is merely the warm-up for the main act. 

Some songs are made for the pit. The second half of The Future Be None would be the soundtrack of that most metal gig-going tradition. With a penchant for mixing thrash, death, and groove metal, by no means have Halberd swallowed a progressive metal pill but in closer Shadows of the Night they are to be applauded for injecting further experimental flavours to their arsenal. A spoken word section and sublimely understated yet razor sharp leadwork illuminates the song and elevates the appeal of the EP further. Not only is the ripping thrash metal assault a thrill ride you’ll want to experience all over again, but the ability the muscular riffs give way to the peerless solos, which work in unison with the vocals is a joy to hear. We can learn from the five lads from Southeast London and take much away from their attitude and experiences that combined to make Drinks All Round. For this EP is a tale of victory in the face of adversity. It’s unlikely though that any salad was consumed on that night in the boozer!

Drinks All Round is released on 19th April.

Review by Robbie Maguire.