PlanetMosh Keeping it Metal
A chance meeting in a local jazz and blues festival in Nantwich, Cheshire a few months ago got me talking about metal based music to Michael Morris, vocalist from Letters To Burn, who have recently released their new studio album Shadows. I’m not normally known for reviewing this sort of genre of metal but are going to give it a go.
This killer album opens up with ‘World Of Weakness’, as a Rammstein like keyboard intro muscles up for full on metal mania, careering along on a hot rails to hell journey of clubbing riffs that takes a breather for an eerie twin vocal midway maul.
Stuttering riffs kick ‘My Armour’ into gear that add extra abrasion around a glass shattering lead vocal that soars skywards on thought provoking lyrics that needed a repeat play to appreciate what the band are conjuring up.
‘Machine Heart’ is all riff after riff after motherf***ing riff that keeps this machine hearted grinder hard and heavy.
‘The Mirror’ flies out of the starting blocks for this race to the finish line pounder, heavy on the twin guitar assault for a force to be reckoned with, closing on gentle piano nuances.
‘The Key’ is a drum driven rib rattler that batters anything that stands in the way, aided and abetted by a lung stripping vocal.
‘Lose Control’ is a brooding ballad with balls, firing up midway to be a real show stopper.
‘Out Of The Shadows’ (featuring Rox Capriotti) is a melody with muscle banger, bringing the hammer down with savage fury……….another future pit opener in the making.
‘In Silence’ is a six minute metal monolith that’s far from silent have silent touches, giving it a palette to conjure up this masterpiece.
Another deceiving intro sees ‘Hunted’ amble along on gentle guitar lines and inventive drum patterns pick up momentum for this midpaced thrasher.
‘Bitter End’ is by far, my album highlight. Another serene intro rolls out the red carpet for this sumptuous ballad to ebb and flow around a heartmelting vocal.
‘Pathways’ opens with swathes of melodic riffing that keeps this number in check as another drum masterclass steals the spotlight from another demented lead vocal.
This highly impressive debut, self produced album ends with ‘What Lies Ahead’. In my opinion, what lies ahead is that their future looks already solid from the complexity of these twelve very songs, as this last song has left Michael Morris to close the album on his banshee like screams and howls that are off the scale!
Letters To Burn band info is here :- https://www.facebook.com/letterstoburn /https://letterstoburn.bandcamp.com/album/shadows /http://linktr.ee/letterstoburn
Letters to Burn is an alternative metal band known for their hard-hitting riffs, soaring vocals,
emotive lyrics, atmospheric soundscapes, and anthemic melodies. Emerging from the
North-West UK, the band’s music blends elements of alt-metal, rock and alternative, creating
a sonic landscape that resonates with listeners on a personal level. Drawing inspiration from
both contemporary and classic influences, Letters to Burn’s music explores uplifting themes
of self empowerment, persistence and determination.
Their live performances are marked by an intense, raw energy. Since forming in 2021, the
band have played numerous shows around the UK, including a sold-out hometown show.
Their debut EP Rebirth was released in 2024 to positive reviews and with their self-produced
debut album scheduled for release 20th June 2025, the band continue to push their sound
and their live show to new levels.
