Gallows - Desolation Sounds

DESOLATION Sounds is the kind of polarising album that will have listeners reaching for the control panel on their stereo.

If you are a fan of heavy rock and punk, Gallows' fourth album will have you turning up the volume in no time.

It is fast, heavy and cathartic as the 36 minute record bombards you with big riffs and raw angst.

But if that kind of music is a turn off for you, the band's raucous sound will make you want to jab at the stop button.

Although Desolation Sounds is hardly going to win many new fans you have got to admire their uncompromising attitude and desire to satisfy fans.

The album, released through Gallows' own label Venn and Play It Again Sam Records, is named after an expanse of water in frontman and former Alexisonfire man Wade MacNeil's native Canada and the theme of wading into murky waters is felt throughout.

Among the highlights are 'Chains', a track that builds to a crescendo of distorted guitar riffs, and 'Leather Crown', a fast punky song with pounding drums.

Meanwhile, the first single to be taken from the record will be 'Bonfire Season' which has a bit of a gothic vibe to it but is otherwise unremarkable.

The only chance for a breather on the album is on 'Cease to Exist', a slower track but one that is just as dark lyrically and builds in intensity.

- Gallows play at Sound Control in Manchester on May 27

DAVID MORGAN