Search - Gallows :: Orchestra of Wolves

Believe the hype!

A. Stoltz | illlinois | 08/09/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"hailing from watford, england is one of the most exciting, fresh new bands the states have seen in some time. i welcome you, GALLOWS. i believe i heard about these guys earlier this year when some other band was praising this band but i didn't actually hear anything until the van warped tour comp. came out in june. i was introduced to the band with their song "rolling with the punches". at first listen i knew this band was something to be excited about and the song was pretty good withs lots of energy and power. then shortly thereafter, came all the hype. all types of punk and rock zines were calling these guys the saviors of punk and the real deal. when i heard this my first reaction was "o great, not another band with tons of hype who won't live up to it".



then july 10th rolled around and their debut album (although released in 2006 across seas) "orchestra of wolves" was released in the states and it stunned me, literally. anymore, it really takes a lot to impress me with new bands because of all the cookie cutters and cliches, but this band FLAT OUT impresses from start to finish. they are a straight up "punk" band that doesn't BS around and tell it how it is whether you're going to listen or not. not only do the songs thrive with energy, passion, and just pure angst...the lyrics and vocals are snotty, catharsis, unapologetic, fierce, intense, and a big stab at our society and everyone in general. basically, the whole album is a F U to anyone who's listening. now, that's punk rock in its purest form.



although, the whole album (and band) has an punk attitude, it's not limited to just that. it definitely is a hardcore album with some great riffs, monster breakdowns, as well with metal tendencies and some double bass (but not cliche DB you hear today). although this band sounds unique, you can definitely hear some obvious influences. hear's the cool part though...they pull influences from each of the last 4 decades!!! there is definitely some attitude in their style that reminds you of the ever controversial sex pistols as well as the clash from the 70's. you can also hear influences from the first coming of hardcore bands in the 80's such as gorilla biscuits, minor threat, the misfits, and definitely black flag. then, their is no doubt that their's a heavy influence of the band refused, as well as from at the drive-in and converge from the 90's. finally, you can hear some influences from modern hardcore/punk acts like comeback kid, the bronx, and most definitely every time i die. see what i mean, this band is the real deal...



finally, just 2 days ago i was stoked to see gallows live at the warped tour in Indianapolis and to say i was impressed with their live show and antics would be an understatement. besides killswitch engage, gallows OWNED the warped tour. frontman, frank carter who stands at about 5'5", 115 lbs, and covered in tattoos similiar of jake bannon of converge looked like a joke when he took stage at first. when they first came out, they looked unimpressed with the crowd that came to see them. (a mere 25-50 people). i'm sure everyone else was watching paramore or NFG, but it was their loss. frank went on to talk and make snotty jokes and he sounded just like jonny rotten of the pistols and the guy, although very sarcastic and crude, had a great sense of humor. then out of no where, he jumped off stage onto ground level with us where they exploded into their set. then things got insane! even though their were only about 50 people or so, frank made it intimate as he let fans sing along and chant with him in the mic, all the while his mic cord was tripping him up and almost strangling him and innocent fans, but he proceeded. he then got his mic stand down from the stage during a song and starting slamming it into the ground where he ended up bending it like a pretzel. then next, came his mic where he did some swings and starting abusing hit. he did all of this without any shoes, no shorts, (he stripped down to his boxers) in the sand which his mouth was full of. after all the madness, he got dressed and went back onstage to finish their set with the powerful "orchestra of wolves". i know after the set i had seen something special and insane. even though the guy is small, he brings stage presence and is intimidating and powerful as a 7'0" giant with a wolf as a head.



i'm sorry about the tangent i went off on, but i think it shows what this band is about. their unpredictable, insane, heavy, snotty, unapologetic, and put on a great live show. if you get the chance to see them, do yourself a favor. i've seen alot of heavy bands live, but gallows flat-out brought it and didn't care if you enjoyed it or not. they came to deliver a message and destroy stages and equipment as well as your ears. the exciting thing about this band is that their young (only been together for about a year and a half) and they have so much potential it's scary to think of what they're capable of next. gallows is the real deal and believe the hype surrounding them cuz their going to be huge someday and it's soon. their album "orchestra of wolves" and live show are HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! thanks for reading..."

Gallows

Draven | 07/16/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The British have proved once again that they can match screaming American music. The songs are great for moshing (haha) and have great meaning to them. My personal favorite song is Orchestra of Wolves becasue of the Moulin Rouge reference. I was excited to get this album and was far from disappointed. All in all, a fantastic album for any hardcore rock fan."

The most important rock/punk album for many years!

S. Smithson | UK | 09/23/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Gallows are a hardcore band from Watford, UK who only formed in 2005, and their debut 'Orchestra Of Wolves' is a breath of fresh air. A stunning album with such classics as the title track & 'In The Belly Of A Shark'. The most important rock/punk album for many years, which has breathed new life into the genre. Get the 2 disc edition as there are 6 stunning live in session tracks & 4 studio tracks including the AWESOME Black Heart Queen & a hidden track - a cover of the Ruts 'Staring At The Rude Boys'. If you like your music loud with lots of energy, then this is the album for you. BUY IT NOW!"