Gallows - Desolation Sounds

After the feeling of transition that seeped through Gallows’ self-titled third studio album we arrive at the fourth to find ourselves confronted with thirty six minutes of outright bloody menace. Former Alexisonfire man Wade MacNeil takes his place in the entire creation this time, nearly four years after being brought in, and alongside remaining trio Lags Bernard, Stuart Gili-Ross, and Lee Barratt brings about an evolution in the Gallows sound that remains authentic but brutally fresh. To quote MacNeil their recent mini-documentary, “The thing about heavy music is just this ultimate release. I think that release changes over time, you know?”. This is Gallows pushing forward and it thuds and stings and intoxicates. Bonfire Season has already been aired online, the opening repetitions of ‘It’s time to shed my skin’ a pretty unapologetic statement even though it sits a bit awkwardly in the middle of Desolation Sounds. It’s followed brilliantly by the huge and magnificent Leather Crown, and Leviathan Riot along with 93/93 retain the chaotic buzz that we’ve come to expect. Death Valley Blue lets the team down, but otherwise we’re golden. Some will still call for that Orchestra of Wolves purity but this is where we’re at now and it’s damn fine.