Arising from the ashes of a grindcore/hardcore band of the same name, Royal Anguish sought to break ground in the extreme metal scene in the early 90's (the spring of 1991 to be exact). Unrelenting speed and blast beats was all that would satisfy the bands yearning to be on the edge. Founder Matt Knowles (vocals / rhythm guitars), along with drummer Tommy Taylor and bassist Alex Frasier, solidified the lineup at its onset, while laboring through a steady string of hopeful, yet unsuccessful, lead guitarists. After the recording of their first demo, originally entitled 'Shocked To Pieces, but later released as a cassette EP under the name 'Shocking The Priest', the landscape of Royal Anguish changed greatly. Tommy Taylor left the band and Alex Frasier was let go. The band also moved away from the blast based delivery to a more eclectic, all encompassing style.

THE CHRONICLES OF AUTUMN SORROW (2004) BOMBWORKS

Royal Anguish labels their music as hybrid metal. To me that brings associations towards the industrial side of heavy metal. So in that connotation I don't think that is appropriate. But if you let the hybrid part mean what it really means, a blend and mesh of various styles, then yes, Royal Anguish are just that. 'The Chronicles Of Autumn Sorrow' was originally recorded back in 1994, but never officially released, due to problems with the originally intended record company. But in early 2004 Bombworks Records approached the band to ask if they could press the album, and finally get it released. So 10 years after its recording, we now get the final product. Derek James from Sympathy is responsible for the final mastering, and the artwork have also been slightly revamped. The music shows a band in its youth. The unique idea of melting together so many styles in the metal genre is this albums strength and Achilles heal all in one. On one side, when it works it sounds great. But on those few occasions when it doesn't work, it sounds pretty generic. Remember, this band uses blast beats and female vocals, death metal screams over thrash metal song structures. You get a goth feel, but at the same time this is a futuristic metal effort. And so you could go on, trying to describe the music. Personally I like the first half of the CD the best. It might be that the songs towards the end are just as good, but for some reason they never strike me as killer stuff such as "Ceremonial Suicide", "Unfulfilled" or "Land Of The Free". I dig the thrash metal influenced parts. I also like the female vocals. 'The Chronicles Of Autumn Sorrow' has definitely made me curious enough to want to check out this bands other releases. I think I'm in for a treat.

Killer tracks: Ceremonial Suicide, Unfulfilled, Land Of The Free

Matt Knowles guest appearances:

Sympathy - 'Abyssal Throne' EP