ALBUM REVIEW: Hailz – PIST

Given the sheer wealth of talent across the UK, you’d be forgiven for not having PIST on your radar. Despite being a popular name in the Manchester metal scene, these riff juggernauts are very much contained as a North Western treasure. All that could change though with their second full-length album, Hailz, as the band look to establish themselves on a national level.

Unlike 2015’s debut, Rhythm & Booze, Hailz sees PIST evolve and incorporate a myriad of influences that extend far beyond the stoner doom tag that was first associated with them. Indeed, the four years from said debut to now has enabled the quarter to really enhance their sound and Hailz is the proof in the pudding. Black metal, punk, stoner and good old traditional heavy metal traits are all thrown in the mixing pot and the resulting sound is utterly intoxicating.

Ex-Nihilo kicks Hailz off with an almighty bang as sludge-esque riffs hammer home in a groovy introductory barrage before subsiding into an atomic explosion of ferocious riffing and snarling vocals from frontman Dave Rowlands. It’s a triumphant opening and gives an indication at the multitude of sounds and influences PIST look to explore on this new release.

Whilst Rhythm & Booze could be perceived as slightly one dimensional, Hailz quickly makes it apparent that this is not a one trick pony of a record. Wreck‘s dense riffing ooze grooves of neck-snapping ferocity and it’s doom-driven bass undertones are incredibly satisfying whilst lead single Mind Rotter perfectly captures the band’s essence across its near five minute duration. Here, the band shine as they ebb and flow from psychedelic guitar flutters to a bombastic medley of pummelling drums and easily digestible riffing that sounds akin to homegrown favourites ORANGE GOBLIN.

Similarly, the black metal bedrock of John Nicholson‘s guitars, Mike Collins‘ bass and Andy Hunt‘s drums in If I Was You… inject real venom to proceedings, allowing Dave Rowlands‘ interchanging shrieks and NOLA-esque cleans to make a real connection whilst Strangle The Sun‘s psychedelic leaning influences, especially in the guitars and vocals, flip things on their head, showcasing a band that are as dynamic as they are proficient at executing a variety of styles to wonderful effect.

Indeed, time has been kind to PIST. By spending the last four years refining and experimenting with their soundscape, Hailz is nothing short of a triumph. A multifaceted, dynamic and neck-snapping album, this new offering from PIST will surely stamp their name on an overpopulated scene and the world is now very much their oyster.

Rating: 8/10

Hailz is set for release on November 8th via APF Records.

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