One of the first thoughts that occurred to me on hearing Stonegard’s 'Arrows' was that this is likely to be both popular and critically acclaimed. Unfortunately the music industry is a strange beastie and a band’s five minutes are not always deserved. On the other hand I do not mean that I am always 'right' and that my judgement and tastes are infallible, since music is largely just a matter of opinion, but if you have ever wondered why such-and-such a band are popular then you know what I mean. Happily, Stonegard are a band that deserve both popularity and critical acclaim.

They fit neatly into the modern heavy metal genre, following the colossal Mastodon’s recipe. However they have not followed that recipe too closely; they seem to have lost the slightly Clutch-esque guitar sounds that are shot through some of Mastodon’s work, while retaining the heavy chugging and rip-roaring riffs.

The drum sound is not quite so thunder-of-the-gods powerful as Mastodon but still 'prods buttock' and actually remind me of Dave Lombardo (Slayer) at times, with less use of cymbals. The vocals are totally different to Mastodon, as Stonegard’s vocals are somewhat reminiscent of a slightly gruffer Chris Cornell and add an extra element of enjoyment to the album.

After a short, rather sad-sounding guitar melody intro with great tone, first track 'Ghost Circles' develops into what seems to be Stonegard’s signature sound. 'Arrows' continues with the title track which is suitably impressive. Third track 'Hunter' is a heavier track than the predecessor but all of Stonegard’s music has an overall simplicity interspersed with more complex melody, which makes it a gratifying listen. 'At Arms Length' demonstrates some of the lovely composition in which a vocal note is held for a few moments to create a link between two sections which contrast serves to emphasise both the lighter and heavier see-saw action of the track.

Stonegard are a band able to use expansive instrumental passages rather than more traditional chorus-led music. They are able to use slow and subtle builds such as in 'Resistance' and 'The White Shaded Lie'. Indeed passages such as the intro to 'The White Shaded Lie' seem to refer back to the same sort of sound as the album’s intro, providing a nice touch in continuity. 'Arrows' is a mixture of heavier and more melodic passages, but 'Goldbar' is the only slow track on the album, but it doesn’t seem overly sentimental and it segues into the heavier last track of the album, 'Darkest Hour'.

'Arrows' is Stonegard’s debut album. And it’s a corker. It just, feels right. It’s not predictable but everything seems to be in the right place at the right time. Whether you like it slow or fast Stonegard can do both. They can do heavy and melodic. Most of all, they can do metal.

*****

Review by Amanda Hyne

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