H R H - R E V I E W S

Fury UK
EP Rocksector Records

Comments: The trio from England called Fury UK is a different type of band, because their music is heavy, as in metal, but not really European-based metal. They actually lean pretty close to mainstream metal in the States, which isn't a compliment or insult. Actually, it's the vocals that seem a tad American-the music is rooted deeper in NWOBHM grooves, the solos seem almost Maiden-esque at times, and the drums are pounding and expert. All in all, just call them Fury UK.

Their EP begins with "Natural Disaster," a song seemingly written to show off their individual talents as much as their songwriting ability. The opening riff is distorted, yet played crystal clear. Dawson's voice is somewhat sleazy in his higher range, but just straight ahead Rock in his lower range, which he comfortably stays in for the most part. Dawson also plays bass. The parts of this song that are the most memorable is the guitar solo by Chris Appleton, one brief yet played expertly with full tones, and yes, it sounds like Iron Maiden. Dawson's backbone bass is a cool counter to the solo, though. They allow drummer Adz Galloway to get his rocks off as well towards the end, with powerful and heavy fills.

"Krueger" is up next, and you'll again have to remind yourself that three-piece bands just have their own sound. Fury UK sounds nothing like Rush, but Rush sounds like no one else, and neither does Fury UK. Get the drift? Dawson's strains to his higher range on this one, sounding like a cleaner, way less nasal and more fluid version of Social Distortion's Mike Ness. That kind of takes away the Ness-ness, but it's the attitude as well. While the solo in "Natural Disaster" was completely controlled, Appleton gives you a bit of "look what I can do!" on this one. Absolutely impressive-why are there only three songs on this EP?

The third track, "Death By Lightning," is a song about what could be called a "natural disaster." This composition nears seven minutes, and it's another full speed ahead rocker-they don't really show you that they can write anything other than this type of song on this brief offering. The vocals are really understated, maybe on purpose, maybe not. At least they slow things down at about three minutes in and display their ability to do so, in case of emergency. Dawson croons with a haunted edge to his voice, or maybe a "bereft" edge is more concise. After this calming minute, they tear things up again, Appleton making his guitar shriek before ripping into another massive lead.

Fury UK probably should have waited until their new CD is ready to roll before they sent this one to the press. All this does is whet your appetite and make you wonder what a full CD would sound like. But, it does its master's bidding, definitely peaking your interest for what comes next.

www.furyuk.com

Track Listing:
1. Natural Disaster
2. Krueger
3. Death By Lightning

Hardrock Haven rating: NA