Generation Graveyard ‘We are the Empty’ EP Review

Hailing from the London area of the UK, this five-man strong army of death punkers have savagely produced this EP entitled “We are the Empty” Founded in 2010 and shared a stage with bands such as Viking Skull (Now sadly disbanded) Warrior Soul and Zodiac Mind Warp is somewhat pretty impressive.

Their tracks are inspired by urban isolation, substance dependence and social upheaval and say they don’t mince their words and refuse to be pigeonholed. I can see why with their list of influences Killing Joke, Ministry and Dark Throne to name but three, however Death Punk seems to fit these dark restless souls who incorporate a conglomerate of hard-core, black metal and d-beat crust as well as venom so vicious it has to be punk, but I particularly like the idea of black metal and punk being forged together.

A mix of dark evil ambient heavy sounds, with a projection of echoed voices and is a superb introduction to this EP.

Well that will teach me to have the volume on 11 when this track started! The g force alone sent me flying off my chair! A very interesting composition, with the punk influences that are definitively outlined but also incorporating that nice black metal edge. There is also a great rock influence in there too, and this track just chugs with excellence. Tremendous vocal content here amidst compelling guitars, a feisty bass hook and good solid drum beat that keeps the attention of the listener.  Great track!

Awesome rhythm on this track it smacks a punch right between the eyes. The vocals sounding more scathing by the minute and the heavy punk influence is there, although it has a few twists incorporated and there is no black metal sounding influence here – so right were the band when they said they don’t like being pigeonholed. But this is another superb track from the band with great architectural rhythm that builds and takes you on a lyrical journey.

Not sure if this should be spelled like this or not but it all adds to the mystery or maybe it means that the band never finished their education – who knows? But it is a rhythmic, punchy cacophony of sounds and in my opinion just doesn’t last long enough! There is nothing stagnating about this band it is definitely cloned with punk influences but it also has that dark edge with rock n roll thrown in to keep you on your toes.

Gengrave as they are known have indeed brought something new to the table have diversified punk to a great extreme and it is hard to really categorize them so I shall refrain from doing that and just say that with Generation Graveyard you get a great nifty mix of sounds and a no bullshit guaranteed listening experience and for me personally have definitely pushed all the right buttons and ticked all the right boxes.

Sometimes you can just tell by the name that a band will be good and Gengrave are no exception to this rule.  They also have a great look about them which adds to the flavour of their creative and inspired sound and not unsurprisingly metal heads can enjoy a good shake of the head at, which is not a bad thing at all.

Superb production on these four tracks and will no doubt have you pressing replay all over again. As they say no rest for the wicked! Go on spoil yourself in the melodic swagger and embrace yourself for the heavy riffs!