Rock and Metal evolved a lot, for good(and bad), since the ’60s, but the only thing that hasn’t changed much is the dedicated fan base lending their ears on every release day to find something new. Personally speaking, the industry is now much more dynamic – with a lot of experimentation and genre fusions, than how it was before. At the same time, it is important to recognise the roots and appreciate the old school classical sound from where other genres evolved. Recently, I came across Sonic Fuel – a band based out of Knoxville, TN, who promises to demonstrate the richness of old school rock and metal in their latest self-titled album “Sonic Fuel”.
Sonic Fuel is not new in The Circle Pit, I reviewed their single “Karma”, and I also promised that this is one good band to watch out for. Following the release of the single, I kept a close eye on their progress and caught their album release just on time! Listened to it a couple of times the very first day, and gave it a day or two to sink in, before heading right into it again. This way I was able to test the memorability – an important parameter to judge your old school music. Needless to say, I was able to hum to the guitar tones and sing along with the anthemic choruses of David Hales. The album comprises a total of 10 tracks, starting with “Good Things”, perhaps the best way to start the album! With catchy and driving vocals, this song has classic rock written all over it. Although you may find this a bit too mellow to be considered as a hard rock/Metal, the goodness of the song just makes the entire genre distinction debate pointless.
There is a reason why I stress “Classic” too often when it comes to this album. While the modern metal industry is packed with experimentation ranging from the inclusion of strings and electronics, this album is straightforward and different from what you find on most modern bands. In addition to the sonic distinction, the lyricism of Sonic Fuel is centered on Love, Perseverance and Injustice – something rare in the time of the day wherein modern acts practice sarcastic lyrics of torturing and killing their Ex-Girlfriends and whatnot(no offense.). Classic Rock is about serious commentary, with something valuable to be conveyed. In fact, the entire idea is to use music as a vehicle to share thoughts and positivity.
If you are a fan of energetic Metal rather than anthemic rock, then “The Brink” should be the one that might spin most on your playlist than the rest. Featuring Alice Cooper and Lynyrd Skynyrd fame Damon Johnson, the song has a thick guitar riff accompanied by an energetic drum part. The vocals are very broody, yet fits well with the instrumentation – you’ll also get to hear a small solo towards the end of the track as a bonus! Overall, one of the best tracks on this album! We have already covered “Karma” in another post, but just so you know, it is easily one of the best tracks on this album.
The album is all about the balance between the soft and heavy parts in Metal. You get to hear the softer side through the first song, but the last song is all about the heavier side. “Scream” screams Heavy Metal. The riff on this track is nothing short of being called the best on this album. The band made sure they would start and end the album with a high note. Really love the energy they show throughout the album.
Altogether, “Sonic Fuel” will surely fuel your playlist with some good old heavy metal, and will surely interest you if you like both heavy and soft sides of metal. Once you finish listening to the album, you wouldn’t bother much on the genre distinction, but you will surely question what would be the band’s next adventure. Are they going to stick with what they’re doing now, or will they go for a more modern sound to test the waters? Well, the only way to find that out is to wait for their next track. Hopefully, it won’t take them a lot of time to do it. But, one thing is for sure, the band has given us enough material in the form of catchy 10 tracks, while we wait for the next!
– Sooraj Ram
