ALBUM REVIEW: Coltre – To Watch With Hands… To Touch With Eyes

After a majestic EP, English Heavy Metal traditionalists COLTRE set their debut album release for February 23rd on Dying Victims Productions.

Unearthly synths begin this record, building tension with hi-hats taking things up a notch before ripping guitars and vibrant bass lines throw us headlong into rocking out. The chunky mix, smooth leads and bombastic rhythm section show us Coltre are ready for action from the off. Instantly the feel of their EP is present but with a more progressive and explorative edge that is exciting to ponder on the direction of. Razor sharp, the old school feel of the music and the production is powerful without relying on gimmick, rather giving us strong musicianship and songwriting to speak for itself. With quite a lot of instrumental sections, the vocals sometimes take one by surprise but always feel purposeful with their haunting delivery, adding more to the eerie 70s feeling of the record. Although atmospheric as hell and packed with punchy grooves, there is such a triumphant and anthemic feeling to this record that those who spun the lead single “Rat Race” will already be very familiar with.

For me, a Heavy Metal band having those kinds of bass lines that make you say “whoa” just as much as the solos or guitar riffs or drums is always gonna draw me in. Of course a face-melting solo (I say as a lead guitarist myself) is gonna win me over, but something about an equally proficient low end is so satisfying and understated. Coltre are one such band where it all really comes together with the musicality split very evenly across the band. With their warm, analog-sounding production values that shimmer with the hazy but crisp sound of hot tubes, every succulent sound in their expertly balanced songs can be truly savoured. Antiquated but never lazily repetitious of the past, this album bears all the hallmarks of their sonic ancestors without simply re-issuing them in an inferior form. Every potent power chord, galloping bass lines, disco beat, ghostly vocal or soulful lead feels truly well placed and ordered in such a satisfying and enthralling manner.

In a world where a longer album can be a death sentence to the fickle and malleable attention spans of an online culture, it is reassuring to hear a rare gem of Heavy Metal that a) can hold ones attention past 45 minutes, and b) remains an exciting listen you actually wish to revisit. I do not deny, this may not be a people-pleaser, nor should this genre ever be, but it is fascinating and full of charm. I feel like this is going to be one of those records that the underground will warm to and those get it, will really love it. Surely this is the goal anyways for this sort of album? I do not doubt for a second Coltre are very proud of their full length debut, and deservedly so. They develop upon the excellence of the EP while striding forward with a confidence most well placed. Balancing catchy and fun moments with some more otherworldly ideas makes this a gripping but still ultimately fun listen. From dancing melodies and thrusting grooves to the more epic or angular, Coltre have dynamics in spades that will throw you around from start to end… And you’ll love it.

Eerie, majestic, progressive and powerful. Coltre show the charm and innovation in British Heavy Metal has not died, nor has the old vanguard been abandoned. The sense of mystique coupled with truly killer songs is profoundly enjoyable and varied with more than enough to keep interest up for its 52-minute running time. An unusual and occasionally creepy but pummelling and uplifting record that is an unforgettable and unique experience in its own right. Give Coltre the chance they deserve if obscure Heavy Metal is your thing!