ALBUM REVIEW: The Electric Abyss – Dog Tired

In recent years the Scottish metal scene has put everyone on notice with the likes of DISPOSABLE, FROM SORROW TO SERENITY and BLEED FROM WITHIN proudly flying the flag with incredible releases. Hoping to add their name to the list of accomplishments is Edinburgh based DOG TIRED who are poised to unleash their latest release entitled The Electric Abyss on September 7th. Will this album help propel the quartet to the next level?

The Electric Abyss commences with a tense atmosphere as synths ominously prowl in the background before thumping riffs draw closer. Groovy guitar work makes way for gritty bellowing vocals and aggressive tones. The tempo ebbs and flows as the song progresses and the intensity heightens. Flesh Church continues the same path of destruction with crunchy riffing as melody begins to cut through the doom ridden landscape.  As the track surpasses the halfway mark the pace kicks up a notch and swift shredding takes hold. Dagoth’s Nine maintains the momentum with further bouts of rapid fire guitar work and thunderous drumming. This track possesses GOJIRA levels of heaviness where it consistently bludgeons you without mercy.

Beyond The Grave sends shivers down your spine with impactful drum work alongside an eerie vibe before continuing to pummel you with downtuned guitar barrages. The restrained tempo combined with the gravelly tones of front man Chris Thomson effectively add to the menacing nature the track exudes. Aeon allows for a moment to catch your breath and digest the ferocity which has just unravelled. The clean, calming tones allow you to briefly drift away before Lord Of The Vile snaps you back to reality with a further burst of carnage. Intricate riffing bolstered by punishing drumming keep you on your toes as the tracks addictive beat implores you to headbang along.

1968 grabs you by the ankles and drags you into the depths below with its unrelenting volleys of evil guitar work. Vicious screams follow suit accompanied by impressive lead work as the track stakes its claim for highlight of the album. Hunter’s Moon brings some instrumental flair to proceedings as melodic tones and layered riffs create an intriguing arrangement which will have listeners coming back for more. Kingdom gears up for one final charge with thrash infused venom and enticing instrumentation. The energy never waivers, not even for a moment as The Electric Abyss departs as emphatically as it entered.

Despite not being as well known as some of their Scottish counterparts DOG TIRED are certainly not newcomers to the scene. They’ve earned their stripes and The Electric Abyss could well be at the catalyst to springboard them into the spotlight. Whether it is the crushing intensity or adrenaline fuelled riffing there is a lot of components to appreciate in this release. It will have you revisiting time and time again for another round of brutality.

Rating: 8/10

The Electric Abyss is set for release on September 7th via self release.

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