Neuroblade – Desert Claw

Founded in 2023, Neuroblade is a Belgian project made by two members, namely David Vandewalle (Shocker) and Jochen Mouton (Enchantress). Earlier this year the band released their debut EP entitled Desert Claw, independently. EP features five killer tracks which showcase an distinctive style that flirts with a high dose of powerful up tempo heavy/thrash metal, enriched by an old-school catchy & melodic touch to complete the package and to provide a full mindblowing sonic experience.

Tracklist:

1. Endless Slaughter

2. Avalon

3. Desert Claw

4. In The Darkness Of My Mind

5. Left Behind

The standard of all five tracks (with no exception) presented here, is consistently high; where all five of the tracks sound like a relentless sonic bombardment that flirts with heaviness, yet doesn’t shy away from catchy hooks and epic/electrifying riffs, as described above. The vocals are multi layered, where one can occasionally hear some lower end and high-pitched vocals in the same song. The songwriting is a bit complex, but still very listenable, friendly and approachable with first sounds of the opening, “Endless Slaughter”. After the very cool and potent opener, comes “Avalon” (listen below) which starts off acoustically solemn, but after a minute and a half, it develops into a stylish up-tempo heavy banger! Then follows the title track “Desert Claw”, with almost seven minutes of playing time, being the longest track on the EP. It contains a surprisingly good mid-section, where one can shortly hear some fitting and decent snarling vocals. “In The Darkness Of My Mind” is the track where the guys highlight their unique style, blending high-energy heavy and thrash metal with an old-school, melodic edge, offering an irresistibly catchy and dynamic sound. The closing song is the three-and-a-half-minute “Left Behind”featuring some thick and up-tempo drumming, agains very strong riffing, and some powerful, enduringly and convincingly strong vocals.

To sum up; Desert Claw captures the raw energy and intensity of classic heavy/thrash metal while delivering a fresh, modern sound. It sounds rather pompous, splendorous and ambitious, but also theatrical and emotional too. Desert Claw is a very good EP, worthy of the attention of every self-respecting fan of a classic heavy & thrash metal and the scene giants like Sanctuary, Crimson Glory, Agent Steel and even with some touch of mighty Judas Priest at least when it comes to the hammering and energetic vibes and atmosphere on this EP.

Neuroblade have made a really impressive start with Desert Claw and I hope to hear more from them in the near future, as this band has already shown a great potential. For more details visit https://neuroblade.bandcamp.com/album/desert-claw-ep