I have no idea how prestigious an award the best Hard Rock and Metal Act 2022 at the Radio Wigwam Awards would be, but one would like to think that it means something, if only to be able to introduce your band as “award winning”. And that’s exactly how Webb’s biography opens. But hey, I’d do the same. Are they deserving of the accolade? Well, ultimately, you’ll be the judge of that but what I can tell you is that if you like a combination of modern and nu-metal with big groove, loud riffs, and a muscular sound, then Deadly Sins & Virtues could be one for you.
The album is solidly produced, generating a huge, clean noise. Perhaps a little too polished at times, there is a screaming nagging for a bit of dirt under the nails at times. It’s a nine-song collection of big metal songs, that switch in style and tempo throughout. There is no blueprint in evidence, just a band that are switched on together and bring the thunder.
From the opening “You’re Going Down”, it’s Webb’s powerful vocals that grab the attention. Alongside his potent guitar playing, he’s the ideal frontman with a commanding presence even on record. One suggests he might be a dominant force in the live arena. “Can’t Break Me” is as muscular as they come. A real flexing of strength, this is where they come alive with some heady riffs that add heft and power.
Alongside Webb, bassist Lucas Massidda and drummer Nigel Powell hold everything rock solid. The band’s contemporary and vibrant cover of “Nights in White Satin” (with Powell adding strings) brings life to a song that I always found dull. It’s not too overblown and the version does at least bring something new.
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It’s the bigger, riff-heavy songs that really work best here. “Hope” is a full-face blower, with Webb’s soaring vocals working in tandem with the rest of the band. Powell’s pulsing drumming really anchoring the band’s sound. With no drop in tempo, the chunky vibrance of “Don’t Ask Why” and closing semi-thrash of “Stay Alive”.
All in all, a decent and perfectly listenable release. Whether it’s worthy of further awards is of course, a debate that I am sure will rage for some time to come. What is clear is that there is some excitement about this album which does indeed warrant further attention.
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Deadly Sins & Virtues is out on June 23rd
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