ALBUM REVIEW: Sound & Fury – Dust Bolt

German outfit DUST BOLT have been making steady progression through the hotly contested ranks of thrash metal. It’s been a minute since they graced us with 2019’s Trapped In Chaos but 2024 is looking to be an exciting year for the band with a string of touring and festival appearances heading their way. In addition to this, they have now unveiled their fifth full-length effort entitled Sound & Fury via AFM Records – a release that is definitely going to divide opinion.

Leave Nothing Behind kicks things off with an abundance of punchy grooves. Energetic drum beats and a simmering aggression get the momentum shifting. I Witness throws some addictive thrash riffing into the mix. The combination of heaviness and gritty melodic vocal tones proves to be a potent duo. I Am The One offers up the ideal opportunity for crowd participation. The stomping 80s style tempo will definitely get some fists pumping and heads banging.

New Flame sprinkles some technical flair amongst the raunchy metal vibes whilst Burning Pieces is another certified anthem waiting to be unleashed to a hungry live audience, with plenty of memorable hooks to sink your teeth into. Title track Sound & Fury provides a surge of intensity with a mammoth opening riff before transitioning into emotive vocal passages and infectious, accessible melodies. Bluedeep keeps the upbeat energy flowing with buoyant instrumentation.

Disco Nnection opts for a nostalgic heavy metal approach, big sounding riffs and a mainstream friendly demeanour. The lyrical delivery may make you cringe in places but it serves its purpose. You Make Me Feel (Nothing) introduces some dark, doom-ridden tones, linking up with the clean vocal stylings to great effect. Feel The Storm ebbs and flows between lighter and darker shades with a distinct catchiness rising to the surface. As we approach the closing stages Little Stone takes a particularly melancholic turn; solemn sentiments take the lead in this vocal-driven piece and it’s a slightly puzzling choice to depart on this note.

Sound & Fury is the epitome of a ‘marmite’ album, you’ll either appreciate it or want to immediately erase it from your memory. It takes some serious courage to throw caution to the wind and just write what feels right. A lot of bands are scared to take that leap for fear of rejection. For this alone, DUST BOLT must be commended. It may not be groundbreaking or turn a sea of heads but it’s a solid outing and it will be intriguing to see where this newfound confidence with experimentation leads for the band going forward.

Rating: 7/10

Sound & Fury is out now via AFM Records.

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