Echo Scale™: ★★★★ (4.5)
From the murky depths of Lincoln, UK, emerges Hrönn, a four-piece musical leviathan ready to drag you into their unique blend of stoner metal and sludge. Their new EP, “One,” isn’t just a collection of songs; it’s a statement, a testament to crushing grooves, rich harmonies, and a willingness to defy expectation. Featuring the formidable talents of Michael Spindley (Bass and Vocals), Thomas Osborne (Guitar and Vocals), Billy Law-Bregan (Guitar and Vocals), and Matt Stukins (Drums), Hrönn boasts a triple vocal threat and dual guitars, crafting a sound that’s as multifaceted as it is heavy. If you’re looking for your next dirty obsession, “One” might just be it.
All the Voices: When Doom Knocks, You Answer
Kicking things off with “All the Voices,” Hrönn immediately distinguishes themselves. Don’t let the initial lo-fi guitar fool you; what follows is a masterclass in heavy music with genuine depth and clarity. This track doesn’t just hit you; it gets you right in the chest, kicks you square in the nuts and delivers the kind of song that would give even Rob Zombie nightmares. It’s a meticulously constructed, well-thought-out song that navigates the treacherous crossroads of sludge, stoner, and doom metal with unsettling precision. While the cymbals occasionally flirt with a distracting high-end fizz when the band goes hell for leather, it’s a slight imperfection in an otherwise flawless performance. The solo is a highlight; tasteful, impeccably performed and adding another layer to this disturbing and heavy opener. Hrönn truly owns this space.
The Warden: Grooves So Good, Your Head Won’t Stand Still
Next up, “The Warden” throws down a gauntlet of pure, unadulterated groove. Seriously, defy anyone to keep their head still during this track – it’s like hypnosis. The judicious use of a wah pedal in the interludes is really welcome, adding a fantastic textural layer. What truly elevates “The Warden” is its dynamic pacing; constant shifts keep the listener utterly engaged, proving that an instrumental track can be just as captivating as a vocal-driven one. The lead guitar tone is absolutely spot-on for the genre, dripping with character. There’s a subtle, old-school hiss that permeates the track, lending it a wonderfully authentic, lived-in atmosphere. This isn’t just an instrumental; it’s a journey, clearly conceived by musicians who live and breathe their influences, delivering a compelling narrative without uttering a single word.
Sacrosanct: The Stank Face Inducer
Closing out the EP is “Sacrosanct,” a track that immediately triggered the universal metalhead “stank face” – and for all the right reasons. This is where Hrönn truly lets loose with hard, nasty grooves and rampaging, violent vocal lines that intertwine with devastating effect. The layering of the vocals here is dead on, showcasing the band’s impressive vocal arsenal. You can hear echoes of Black Label Society and Lamb of God stirred into Hrönn’s signature sludgy soup, creating a potent and utterly addictive concoction. “Sacrosanct” is a definitive statement of what Hrönn is all about: raw power, meticulous arrangement, and an undeniable ability to deliver a gut-punch of a song.
The Verdict: Gold Dust for the Discerning Ear
In summary, Hrönn’s “One” EP is nothing short of gold dust. Boasting solid production and epic songwriting, this three-track offering is meticulously paced, demonstrating an incredible amount of time and attention to detail. While the cymbals occasionally verge on being a tad too hissy for some ears, this minor point does nothing to diminish the sheer quality and impact of this EP.
If your musical palate leans towards three-minute pop songs, you might want to give “One” a miss. This EP is undoubtedly a “marmite” experience – you’ll either love it or… well, you get the picture. For us at Echo Rebel, however, we firmly fall into the “love” camp. Hrönn has delivered a powerful, unsettling, and undeniably addictive debut that showcases a band truly coming into their own. We’ll be keeping a very close eye on these guys; they’re destined for bigger, heavier things. Show these guys some love on the socials below.
Echo Scale™: ★★★★ (4.5)
