REVIEWS
SPREADING THE DISEASE - Mindcell
Just 2 years after the release of their promising full length debut 'Insurrection', Kent metal mob Spreading The Disease have returned to the fold with a new 5 track EP that follows on from their blueprint whilst simultaneously introducing a sense of maturity to proceedings.
Having only formed in 2014 they have already forged a sound of their own, blending heavy but melodic riffing with a modern yet pummelling rhythm section. Whereas Insurrection was a full-on, in-your-face type of record, the 5 tracks on offer here are decidedly a lot more appealing to a wider audience that may not go heavier than Metallica!
That said, opener 'Obsession' threatens to come off the rails from the get-go with frenetic riffing and piledriving drums only just being held together by a strong vocal performance until it all gels together for a melodic, In Flames-esque chorus. Lead single 'Voices' soon follows, with yet more gargantuan riffs reminiscent of Gojira in places interlaced with plenty of melodic passages throughout bringing to mind aspects of Killswitch Engage in parts. Labelling STD (unfortunate acronym, ouch!) with comparisons to other bands is not only unfair though, but it's also not an easy task as they can effortlessly incorporate different styles to their song writing without making any of it sound forced.
'The Anger Inside' is based around a groove and infectious chorus that American Headcharge would be proud of whilst the epic 'Waves' brings to mind the more melodic traits of a band like Trivium. The EP is brought to a close by another grooving monster by the name of 'Conflicted', even incorporating scratching and dare it be said, a flavour of early Slipknot.
Mindcell is yet another triumphant feather in Spreading The Disease's cap, helped by a huge production that stands up there with any other big budget metal release today. Sadly membership issues have affected the band meaning guitarist Steve Saunders is now left to fly the flame alone, but hopefully he can amass another worthy crew capable of taking STD that little bit further - home-grown talent as potent as this mustn't be swept by the wayside like so many other bands, especially when there is so much potential on show.
Neil Not
Full Metal Racket
Spreading the Disease – Mindcell EP
Surgery Records
Release Date: 11/04/2019
Running Time: 24:38
Review by Paul Monkhouse
7.5/10
Kent metallers Spreading The Disease have been pushing envelopes since first forming at the end of 2014 with their own unique blend of in your face aggression counterbalanced by real hooks. Their latest release is another progression and shows them stretching themselves as they delve deep into the dark world of mental health, spawning five thematically linked tracks that manage to convey more in five songs and 25 minutes than most bands do in a decade.
It’s really a case of put the EP on, sit back and be prepared to be torn apart as not only is it a devastating sonic attack but an emotional one too with lyrics that seem to peer into lost souls and convey all that this, at time of writing, Mental Health Awareness Week speaks about. It is both cathartic and consuming.
The blistering ‘Obsession’ opens with a sledgehammer intensity, the guitars and drums brutal and the vocals screamed. As this slips into the melodic section, the lyrics asking “Am I all that you want me to be / or should I just go in for myself, break my chains and be free?” perfectly mirror the conflict between despair and determination. Later in the song there is a very telling line that points at social media, exposing the dangers of living your life through the fragile medium of how many ‘likes’ you get for a post and how other people’s approval matters much more than it should. Whilst all this is going on the music is nothing less than truly face melting and fierce.
We go further into the psychological as the discordant notes and unsettling whispers at the start of ‘Voices’ give way to some gentle singing before tearing into tormented screams. This really is a rollercoaster ride as the track jumps between full on metal and great melodic passages, once more illustrating the theme of split personalities in the song. Swirling rhythms build beautifully amongst the grinding guitars and epic, fast-paced drums. ‘The Anger Inside’ starts with a siren as a riff like a rampaging gorilla absolutely tears out of the speakers. The twisted reference to The Sound of Music classic ‘Favourite Things’ is a great touch and the song seethes and boils over with a barely under control aggression.
Following that is album highlight, ‘Waves’, the most melodic and hopeful track of the release. With its mix of screams and ringing guitar patterns it has a real punch whilst also melodically and lyrically uplifting, the lines ‘The path will be long / but I’ll find a way’ the brightest moment on the EP. There is a latter heavy passage that recalls some of the work by The Big 4 and the whole track is full of textures and layers. Last song ‘Conflicted’ is a monstrous rip-roaring finish, full of snarling guitars and slowly unhinging vocals it couldn’t have been a more breathless or apt end to the recording.
There is huge ambition with this release and truth be told, this very occasionally exceeds what the band are presently capable of but there really is so much to sink your teeth into and the songs themselves are real growers. Another very minor point is that once or twice the ‘clean’ vocals could be a little stronger but there is a real level of intelligence here that makes Spreading the Disease stand apart from peers and this is without doubt another massive leap up for the five-piece. Founder member and bass player Steve Saunders and his bandmates have worked hard on making “Mindcell” what it is and should be proud of the achievement as they resolutely do things their way, the band having created something that should find a home in the collections of many a metalhead. Brutal and brave, “Mindcell” needs to be heard.
SPREADING THE DISEASE - Mindcell: They may have borrowed their name from an Anthrax song but if you’re expecting the cartoonish good time thrash of that band then you’re in for a surprise. SPREADING THE DISEASE charter heavier, more aggressive territory that is more akin to Lamb of God’s raging approach.
They do however also display a decent ear for melody and across the entire EP there are lighter moments that pierce through the onslaught. It is an approach that works better on some tracks than others, on ‘The Anger Inside’, it offers a fleeting respite from the otherwise uncompromising metal battering, on ‘Waves’ it serves to lull the listener into a false sense of security before they ramp it up later in the song. However, on ‘Voices’ the soft singing gets lost in the mix somewhat and therefore loses some of its impact. Overall this a set of well-crafted, mosh pit ready, modern metal bangers that are equal parts blistering and anthemic.
The great vast majority of the time I sit here and try to shove albums down the throats of you people the material tends to hail from the more extreme end of metal as that’s simply what interests me the most currently. In no way do I think other styles are bad because I don’t talk about them a lot, and that’s really why tonight’s listen was a surprising change of pace that I wasn’t expecting but I wholeheartedly welcome. Drawing from acts like classic Slipknot and such massive names, it’s the best of its kind that I’ve heard in literally years.
I’ll likely never understand why people would look down upon this style, but I’ve always been able to find something to enjoy out of it and that’s far from different when it came to the latest work from Spreading the Disease as their sound covered everything respectable about the sound while showcasing just what exactly this band is capable of. And honestly, I wish there was more to this EP. Not to say that “Mindcell” leaves you feel unsatisfied or there isn’t enough material to leave a positive impression, but rather I simply didn’t want this EP to end as Spreading the Disease hit a real sweet spot with the style in many cases. The style has gone through virtually no change ever since its inception somehow, and you can really hear the respect for that sound surviving every single note of “Mindcell” to the point where each track has its own technicalities that never clash where we’ve all seen it happen before in bands of lesser quality, vocals that never feel to tread the same ground twice to ensure all five tracks remain fresh for their entirety, and the intensity rarely relents as its effective as it is crushing.
It all comes together surprisingly well to make “Mindcell” a well-rounded album that displays loads of know-how for the style that we just don’t get a lot of anymore, and it’s a real treat when Spreading the Disease hit the mark with deadly accuracy at what feels like every turn. It’s a real treat that if given time I’m sure could truly blossom into something bewildering for any fan of the style that’s still holding strong.
REVIEW
Spreading The Disease - 'Mindcell.'
Earlier this week we were very saddened to read that STD were calling a halt to proceedings but in true fashion, the music community came together and happily, the show will go on.
'Mindcell' is arguably the bands best offering to date. Opener 'Obsession' is thunderous, powerful and a brutal assault on all the senses. Fair takes the breath away, growling fierce vocals, nuclear rhythm and guitar shredding to die for. Always nice to have a hammer blow to the skull first thing in the morning. 'Voices' and 'The Anger Inside' are both excellent in their own right but it's 'Waves' that catches my eye. This track showcases the musicality of the band and the quality is undeniable. Great vocal range, great guitar, great rhythm and just great all round. Things end with the very punky 'Conflicted' which is STD to a tee. This is a very well put together ep and the fact that the community came together means that we have more to look forward to. A band with a great future ahead. 9/10
Reaper
Where the Metal never ends
WRITTEN BY PROJECT METAL MUSICAPRIL 11, 2019
SPREADING THE DISEASE: MINDCELL EP REVIEW
Spreading The Disease are a Modern Heavy Metal band from Kent, England. The band consists of Midnight – Vocals, Steve Saunders – Bass, James Falconer – Guitar, Martin Osbourne – Guitar and Jack Apella – Drums.
When I received Mindcell EP by Spreading The Disease through from the boss of Digital Revolution Radio, asking me if I was up to doing a review for the band and I said Yes I’ll do a review for the band. So over the last few days I have been listening to the EP, and when I first put the EP on my initial thoughts were, this is a bit abrasive, but I persevered with it, and over the course of the EP, I changed my mind, as I could hear how good they are.
When I listened to the Mindcell EP, the songs that I have either found that I liked or found interesting are: Obsession, Voices, The Anger Inside, Waves and Conflicted.
When I first played Obsession, I thought that this track a bit on the abrasive side of things, with the vocals, but as I listened to it a couple of more times, I got past the abrasiveness, and started to like the way the vocals and guitars worked well together. Voices is a good track, as I liked the drums in the intro to the song, and I also like the guitars going from the softer side, then to the heavier side, the vocals are pretty good, as they go from the clean to the more dirty/growl side of things throughout the song. The Anger Inside has a pretty cool intro with an air raid siren, and then it goes into some cool guitars, the drums are good as they work well with the guitars, and the vocals are on point as they capture the aggression of the track. Waves is another cool track off the EP, this song has a good balance between all the members of the band. Conflicted is the final song off this five track EP and it is a pretty cool track, as this is a sort track that gets you nodding your head and even wanting to start a mosh pit.
Spreading the Disease – ‘Mindcell’ EP review
Band: Spreading the Disease
EP: Mindcell
Release Date: 11th April, 2019
Label: Surgery Records
Review by Sean
I was pleasantly surprised with the last STD I got given, but enough about my weekends.
Indeed, the last release from Spreading The Disease took me by surprise. I was expecting something half arsed, comedic in the worst way, and just overall not good. It was actually a vitriolic infusion of raw, unbridled anger that I thoroughly enjoyed.
So, what of the new EP, ‘Mindcell’?
It’s great stuff.
From the off, much like the last, it’s projecting hate and anger squarely at anyone stupid enough to get in the way.
The whole EP is a fine example of how metalcore is still excellent these days if the right people are behind it.
The tracks on offer here are a sure sign that these guys have what it takes to make it, provided people give them a chance.
And to that end, one of my main highlights is ‘The Anger Inside’. From the opening siren sounds that grab your attention, to the crushing wail that the band brings when they jump in,
the furious vocal work, it’s the epitome of metalcore. All That Remains gone ultraviolent. But musically, there’s also a small touch of Slipknot in there, which only makes everything sound even more vengeful.
Speaking of Slipknot, I want to talk about my pick of the EP, ‘Waves’.
This song is so good it could appear on one of their albums. It starts off slow and despondent, then brings in the fury, right when it needs to. It’s fucking brilliant.
I listened to this one more than the other tracks. It just clicked with me.
So, if like me you’ve been struggling for motivation lately, if you need a kick up the arse, if you just want some raw, great music, then go get this STD.
I recommend it.
9 out of 10
Spreading the Disease – Mindcell (EP)
Surgery Records
Review by; Danny Price
If it’s modern, aggressive metal you’re after then this is what you’ve been looking for!
Right from the off with opening track ‘Obsession’ we are hit with a huge wall of sound and almost instantly some of the best metal vocals you will hear from Connor Russell Snyder. The second track ‘Voices’ leads us into a fast intense start again before leaning on a more melodic first verse with softer feel with almost a progressive element. The song weaves between heavy fast blast beats and really nice slower melodic parts which so many bands struggle to do as good as this.
Track three is ‘The Anger Inside’ which has a really nice chugging guitar riff which stands out from the rest. ‘Waves’ is an appropriately titled track which does exactly that, it waves in and out for just over six minutes between more softer melodic parts and insanely put together drumming from Jack Apella.
The final track of this EP is ‘Conflicted’, which could almost be at home on any Slipknot album.
We have five massively explosive songs here which are all as good as each other in their own right, but the stand out track has to be the bands single from this EP, ‘Voices’.
Spreading The Disease have huge riffs and a massive modern metal sound for the younger fans but with enough elements of 80’s thrash/death metal to keep the more mature listener wanting more!
Rating - 4/5
Spreading The Disease are;
Steve Saunders – Bass and backing vocals
Jack Apella – Drums and samples
Connor Russell Snyder – Lead Vocals
James Falconer – Lead Guitars
Martin Osborne – Guitars and Vocals
https://www.facebook.com/spreadingthediseaseofficial
https://www.instagram.com/spreadingthediseaseband/
https://twitter.com/stdmetalband
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC78r7Ox1gVNPs4xtc5Us7zQ/videos
*** EP Review ***
EP: Mindcell
Band: Spreading The Disease
Who are they:
Jack Apella – Drums
Steve Saunders – Bass
Connor Snyder – Vocals
Martin Osbourne – Guitar
When I first got asked to review this EP I was a bit unsure as to whether I would like it, as it is heavier than the stuff that I would normally listen to. However if I have made a promise to listen to something, then that’s exactly what I will do, and I have to admit that I’m really glad I did listen to it.
This EP is full of growling vocals, heavy drums, hard hitting bass, and slamming guitar rifts when put together produce some killer sounds that flow through the tracks with such fire and ferocity.
The Tracks are:
01. Obession.
02. Voices.
03. The Anger Inside.
04. Waves.
05. Conflicted
My favourite track is definitely ‘Waves’ which had me captivated right from the start with its more melodic and hypnotic sound, and I loved the way the vocals went from soft and melodic to a hard and extremely aggressive growl.
This Kent based band have take the musical influences from bands like Pantera, Slayer, Machine Head and Tool and then injected a very fierce, aggressive and raw sound into the mix to form this amazing EP.
So if you like classic bands like Pantera, Slipknot, Slayer, Machine Head then I’m certain you will enjoy this. Like I said before, I don’t usually listen to bands that are this heave, but since listening to the album, I have now bought this and I’m certain ‘Waves’ will be one of my most played tracks over the coming months.
Spreading The Disease – Mindcell EP.
Another aurally infectious release from noisemongers Spreading The Disease.
I very much doubt that Spreading The Disease will ever record anything acoustic as they continue to batter us into submission once more with the Mindcell EP. Currently available on their webpage for £8 it certainly hits hard and heavy.
Opener ‘Obsession’ is a full on rant from the off. Hellish growls stand toe to toe against undulating industrial grooves that veer off into drum heavy doom, melodic alt rock choruses and hardcore segments. Clean and gnarly vocals captivate throughout ‘Voices’ during this sledgehammer blow slammer. Riffs writhe around an over the top drum attack. A metronomic stomp flows through ‘The Anger Inside’ as call to arms choruses and laid back riffing add a surly vibe.
Everything is thrown into the pot for ‘Waves’ as ambient guitar lines and haunting vocals add the light and shade to a crushing arsenal of grind making it my EP highlight. Final track ‘Conflicted’ is a sure fire pit opener with fists in the air hollered vocals and DJ samples adding a twist to the brutal riffing.
Mindcell EP tracklist :-
01. Obession.
02. Voices.
03. The Anger Inside.
04. Waves.
05. Conflicted.
-
5
editor rating
-
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OUR REVIEW IS ON PAGE 59.
Hailing from Kent,England Spreading The Disease have been pushing the message that metal is alive and kicking to all parts of this fair isle and as a result,have been refining their craft with their live performances and also with their new and absolutey stunning new ep `Mindcell` Each and every track from the killer `The Anger Inside`with its air raid warning opening salvo and anthemic chorus intertwined with hard hitting riffs and driving drums to the far more subtle,haunting melodies of `Waves` has something for all metal fans. Other tracks on the ep include the very Slipknotesque `Conflicted`a track that delivers on all fronts and totally confirms that STD have matured as a band both musically and their ability to write great metal music.`Voices`draws you in and then takes you on a journey of hard hitting vocal styles and subtle mood changes further confirming the bands increased musical maturity and song writing ability.Finally,`Obsession`a track that`s all powerfull.Thundering guitars brutal and sometimes reflective vocal moods taking you on a path to metal valhallah! This is an ep you must listen to.An ep that has something for all metalheads out there an ep that says metal is alive and kicking! Enjoy,Hooky x
Modern UK metal band Spreading The Disease start a new chapter with latest EP ‘Mindcell’ which was released via Rock Surgery Records.
Opener ‘Obsession’ is fierce yet melodic throughout, with a stand out chorus and immediately hooks you in and leaves you eager for more…
‘Voices’ starts with effective clean vocals before the brutality kicks. It is dynamic from start to finish with plenty of hard-hitting riffs and varied vocals which give it a frantic and intense feel, this is a must hear track.
‘The Anger Inside’ opens with alarming sirens and then goes on a full-blown rampaging assault. This will certainly get your blood pumping and boiling, a good one to let loose too. Offering something a bit different, being the most melodic and optimistic track is ‘Waves’ which is ambient and serene yet progressive which seems fitting. Another well-rounded and vibrant track with intelligible riffs.
Final track ‘Conflicted’ opens with crunchy riffs and goes on to display fierce vocals and good nu metal vibes running through it, especially with fast frantic vocal parts and mixing synth effects. This is powerful fully charged closer with soaring guitar work to end on a memorable and striking note.
These new offerings are strong and possess a powerful sound which is fierce yet tuneful throughout making it one for the metal masses to enjoy and play loud, whilst addressing the important issue of mental health which it gets across in a highly effective way.
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Spreading the Disease
Mindcell
by Ross Donald at 01 June 2019, 7:09 PM
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SPREADING THE DISEASE are a Modern Metalcore band founded in 2014 in Kent in the UK. They have released one full studio album with “Insurrection” in 2017 and are now back with a shorter EP to show what they still have to offer to the metal universe. The EP starts with the track “Obsessed” and serves as a good opener to the rest of the record with a headbang-worthy verse and a softer chorus that will make for a fun live crowd singalong. The production on the vocals could be a little better as it is a bit too quiet during the chorus but aside from that it’s all good here. What I really was a fan of were the lyrics as the song is about trying to live up to society’s expectations through social media and how we should be what we want to be. Powerful words for the world we find ourselves stuck in today.
Next up is the main single from the EP: “Voices” and I can see why it was chosen as such, seeing as it showcases the band’s musicianship at its best. It begins with an almost SLIPKNOT like intro before slowing down to a crawl while Conner sings about the good and bad voices in his head, before bursting back into a vicious verse and big chorus, similar to the opening song. Another damn fine track. We then move onto “The Anger Inside” which is one of the shorter tracks on the album and probably the one I had the most fun with as it’s just non-stop high energy for its near four minute run time and has a chorus that will definitely have a big live crowd singing along. The same can be said for the final track “Conflicted” which is another loud and energetic song that works well to end proceedings.
The biggest highlight of the album comes on the form of the penultimate track “Waves” which shows the band at their very best from both a songwriting stance and a musical stance. This is the longest track on the album at 6:04 and managed to keep my interest with every second that passed. It has a nice mix of heavy and soft moments with a good message as the song is about living your life the way you want and making the most of what you have. A great, rare little guitar solo in the middle seals the deal and is enough to make this the best track on offer.
Out of the three EPs I’ve reviewed so far, this one is easily my favourite so far as every song stands out on its own and can be considered a highlight. My only gripe is with the production needing a bit of work but aside from that I have nothing else to complain about. This is a band I want to hear more from and I’ll be a keeping an eye out. Metalcore does get a bit of a bad rap nowadays with some sub-par bands hanging around, but bands like SPREADING THE DISEASE and PARKWAY DRIVE show that the genre is still alive and kicking, and can be great with the right musicians at the forefront.
Originality: 8
Songwriting: 9
Memorability: 9
Production: 7
Spreading The Disease
Mindcells EP – Surgery Records
There’s much talk these days within metal circles where words such as technical, nuance and subtle are used frequently. It’s like the music of Thor and Beelzebub has become a fine wine savoured by being swilled around inside your ears, or at least the ears of geeks. Well Spreading The Disease are having none of that. They are the super strength lager of metal, and this special brew crew are here to obliterate your brain cells with their sledgehammer music. This EP is full of the kind of modern metal that defies you not to mosh. There are a few nods in the direction of Djent to add a little seasoning, but the pie itself is still true to a tried a tested recipe. Mindcells manages to transfer the live energy of Spreading The Disease into a studio recording and then into your head so successfully you can shut your eyes and imagine you’re about to collide with some thrasher and spill your pint. So in a way this EP is just like being there, but without the laundry bill.
Spreading The Disease – Facebook
Review by Gary Trueman
Spreading the Disease: EP Mindcell Review
Being asked to write a review is a difficult task but none the less i was thrilled to be asked. Now never having heard of Spreading the Disease until recently and being given the EP Mindcell I was quietly surprised.
This 5 Track EP hits you in the Nuts but gives you a warm hug at the same time.
This EP has something for everyone from Fans of Pantera through to Arteyu and the likes of Messhugah.
Cleverly composed, beautifully written and with technical proficiency to rival even the biggest bands currently.
With tracks like Obsession starting with a powerful entrance which has a Bullet for my Valentine taste but throws a curve ball by throat punching you and then brings you back with a powerful rhythmic chaotic beauty.
Overall this Kent Based Band Spreading the Disease EP Mindcell is an absolute Dogs Conkers EP from a band that are getting stronger each time, with driving drums, banging riffs and a vocal range that drags you into the song.
An impressive piece of artistry from a top quality band.
2019 is going to be a blinder for STD and big thing on the way.
Get you some of this. \m/ \m/
Boy Pain, House of Pain
EMQ’s with SPREADING THE DISEASE
Hi Everyone. Welcome to our new EMQ’s interview with UK Metal band Spreading The Disease. Huge thanks to bassist Steve Saunders for taking part!
What is your name, what do you play and can you tell us a little bit about the history of the band?
My name is Michael Caine… Sorry just kiddin’… I am Steve founder member of Spreading The Disease”. I am the bassist and main songwriter. I started the band late 2015 and by early 2016 we were already in studio and gigging. We never really stopped from then until now really, having gone through a number of musicians over these past few years all of whom have been great through their time in the band.
How did you come up with your band name?
I have always been a big fan of “Queensryche” and one of my favourite albums is “Operation Mindcrime”. Plus I’m also a big fan on the Mad Max saga, Book of Eli. Add that to my views of the World and you have a basis for an ethos and band name.
What country are you from and what is the metal scene like there?
I am British, though I moved to Spain very early on with my family, so I practically grew up there and am more Spanish than English. The scene is different there. I formed my first band there and within a few months we were signed, had a hit single in the rock charts, toured major arenas, supported by Metal hammer and other magazines, radio etc.
I started out young and had to learn very quickly how to manage, book, promote and so on. My band were / are great people, we are still good friends. Their commitment was second to none and knew what had to be done and got on with it. We also had loads of laughs and many crazy rock n roll stories.
What is your latest release? (Album, EP, Single or Video)
The band has just released a brand new EP called “MINDCELL” through “Rock Surgery Records” who have been great to the band. A couple of videos are forthcoming too to support the release. It has a dark deep feel about it, representing some very dark thoughts, emotions, illnesses that some of us suffer, often in silence sadly. It all ties in, the EP artwork, the music and the video!
Who have been your greatest influences?
I personally am influenced by many bands, but as an example, Black Sabbath, Rammstein, Metallica, Slipknot, Five Finger Death Punch, Disturbed and many more.
What first got you into music?
My Uncle John who sadly passed away this week. He handed me a very old record player which you had to place standing up, and about 6 old singles, one of them was ‘Old Shep’ by Elvis, and another was ‘Telstar’ by The Tornadoes, ‘My Ol Mans A Dustman’ by Lonnie Donegan and others. Then, I discovered Black Sabbath via a couple of older lads I knew in Spain. They were a cult in those days. After that I brought my first guitar, took it home, played it for 2 weeks or at least tried, then decided my rock n roll stardom was over. A good friend convinced me to try playing bass. So I have a couple of people to blame there. Sorry to everyone lol.
If you could collaborate with a current band or musician who would it be?
I love Slipknot, the anger, the brutality, honestly and in your face attitude.
If you could play any festival in the world, which would you choose and why?
Wow that’s tricky. There are many, but if I had to only choose one, probably “Rock in Rio”.
What’s the weirdest gift you have ever received from a fan?
Haha…that would be telling and probably censored.
If you had one message for your fans, what would it be?
Without the fans, our “Little viruses”…this and any band would be nothing. They are who I do this for. I thank each and every one of them for supporting the band in so many ways, and they are amazing. As a band right now it is going through some changes so it could be a while before it is back on the scene in full capacity but raring to go and see all the fans again, I enjoy meeting everyone, talking to them, being friends with everyone.
If you could bring one rock star back from the dead, who would it be?
I think, Chris Cornell, I loved his music; taken too soon and felt he had so much more to give. A real shame. Obviously there are many but his death struck me.
What do you enjoy the most about being a musician? And what do you hate?
Ouch, this is a tricky one too. I will keep it simple as, I could write an essay on this one.
I love playing, writing, recording, networking, making friends and where possible helping as much as able in any way I can.
Sadly I think the music business has changed drastically from when I first started.
Today it has many flaws. The internet is a godsend and also a bad tool against us too.
As a whole, I have had the luck and pleasure of working with many amazing people from all sides and levels in the industry and most are amazing people who I have the utmost respect for. That said there are some that really should not be in the biz for various reasons, people who preach one thing and are very much the opposite, many who should know better. I shall leave it there.
If you could change one thing about the music industry, what would it be?
Downloading/pirating and streaming music. Well I should say at least pay the musicians fairly so they can create a career as before out of music and allow the labels etc. to be able to earn enough again safely, so as to invest in bands and help support them toward a strong career together. Until this changes it is a very poor situation that has made this Industry almost just an expensive hobby and one that will unlikely see big rock bands anymore unless real change happens involving literally everyone.
Name one of your all-time favourite albums?
“Sabotage” – Black Sabbath.
What’s best? Vinyl, Cassettes, CD’s or Downloads?
I like Vinyl because it has a certain feel, sound and options regarding artwork etc. That said, I think CD’s are cool too for some of those reasons. Downloads etc would be fine providing, as I mentioned above, that the Industry sorts it so that Musicians can be paid fairly for their work.
Cassettes…Please no! I can remember spending hours trying to rewind the damn things or getting them out of stereos when tangled knowing your music is gonna be screwed when you manage to retrieve it.
What’s the best gig that you have played to date?
I have toured arenas with my first band which was amazing, and have on occasions played some very memorable gigs, at least for me, the Marquee in London was one, the Cavern in Liverpool, Bloodstock, and being in a band called “The Self Titled” check em out, who I have the honour of saying were the only band to have played I think 5 times the Bulldog Bash main stage and great shows they were too, huge crowds, big thank you to the HA for looking after us so well each and every time. Of course STD has played some great gigs over these past four years.
If you weren’t a musician, what else would you be doing?
When I was many years younger I played football semi-professionally for Lloret de Mar in Spain, a bunch of us got selected to do trials for Barcelona at the time. I managed to screw it up for various stupid reasons outside of the game. It’s one of my biggest regrets. I don’t think I would have become a musician if it had gone the other way.
Which five people would you invite to a dinner party?
Haha…well, I love things to get mad, crazy, hilarious and somewhat bizarre…so probably Ozzy Osbourne, Billy Connolly, Corey Taylor, Dave Allen, Chasey Lane and Grace Jones. What a mess that would be lol.
What’s next for the band?
Currently to promote the new EP etc, then I shall be taking a step back while I regroup the band with new musicians. Then into recording a new album which is already written and waiting for people to work on with me then back out there when ready with the support of hopefully the label, Management (Mr Darran Smith) and all the amazing press, radios, promoters, venue owners and specially the friends and fans of what we do. Meantime, I might also join a band as bassist for a while as it is going to take some time to replace the very talented people on many levels that made up this recent line-up of STD.
What Social Media/Website links do you use to get your music out to people?
The usual ones I guess, Spotify, iTunes, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Soundcloud, and our label has distributed the band’s EP all over the World on dozens and dozens of platforms including China, Africa, USA and so on. You can find links to some of those media platforms on our website.
www.stdband.com
Jaffa Cakes? Are they a cake or a biscuit?
Hah…well the word says otherwise, but I think I class them more of a biscuit.
Thank you for your time. Is there anything else that you would like to add?
I wish to thank Ever Metal for always supporting us, Heaps of Metal who have been amazing and the dozens and dozens of radios and airplay and press including some seriously amazing reviews that people have given our music which is so very very helpful in moving the band forward and dearly appreciated, to all those in this business who have given us the time of day, helped us, supported us and worked with the band. And last but of course not least, to everyone out there friends, fans, family etc., that STD consider one big family. Bless you all. SPREAD THE WORD, SPREAD THE DISEASE!
Sarah Keetch reviews the new EP Mindcell
SPREADING THE DISEASE; - Mindcell EP 2019.
Release date: 11th April 2019
Genre: Metal
Label: Surgery Records
I first saw Spreading The Disease at Seven Sins Festival, Swansea 2017 and was immediately impressed by their live show and sound. This is what metal should be about - loud, aggressive, energetic and inciteful.
Their first EP “Insurrection” was a wall of sound, interjected with clever riffs and melodies to keep even a less attuned metal head interested.
The latest EP “Mindcell” carries on in the same vein, with Connor’s vocals hitting you right in the face from the offset with “Obsession”, but there is a progression here.
In my view, the second track “Voices’, with accompanying video just released, is the best song on the EP, with a good combination of light and shade that allows you to appreciate the quality of the song writing.
“The Anger Inside” is probably the track you will enjoy most live, with a riff that keeps on going and I can see a crowd moshing along to nicely.
“Waves” provides some respite from the other 3 tracks and is more akin to Tool than the heavier tracks on this EP. Then “Conflicted” gives you another smack on the chops to make sure you haven’t lost that angst from the beginning and reminds you that Spreading the Disease are a force to be reckoned with.
Somehow they have managed to capture a classic thrash metal sound, interjected a younger fresher angst, and spat it out into an accessible format that really should be filling up large venues.
I recommend you buy both the EP and album, and then get to one of their gigs ASAP!!
4/5
Regularly featured within these pages are Kent based titans Spreading the Disease who have been rather busy of late. They’ve released a new EP entitled Mindcell, recorded a video for “Voices” and, to top it off, have signed a deal with UK based Surgery Records. Spreading the Disease have also signed up to Darran Smith from Funeral for a Friend’s Monster Management company so I think that it’s fair to say that the band were certainly catching the attention of the people in the know. Having formed in 2014, they have been recording material fairly regularly with an album (Insurrection) and EP (Viral) under their belts. So how have the band progressed since those recordings now that Mindcell is upon us? Let’s find out…
Starting off with “Obsession”, there is no intro or melodic riff to get you settle into the EP. Instead it’s just sheer velocity and groove metal riffs reminiscent of Slipknot and Stone Sour mixed with Disturbed with a hint of melody in the chorus. Connor, the vocalist on this performance, certainly has a distinct vocal range switching from all out aggressive growls to clean vocals in the blink of an eye. Backed by drummer Jack and bassist and founding member Steve (being the sole member of the band’s current line up), Mindcell has certainly started off with a tune that sets the bar very high. Riffs from guitarists James and Martin are full on aggression through the songs but there is a Focus-era Cynic melodic touch towards the end, showing off their talent as proficient musicians.
Slipknot influences rear their ugly heads once again at the beginning of the second track before it resorts to all-out aggression and melodic touches. The range once again in Connor’s voice is commendable and contributes to making this track probably my favourite on the whole EP. This song has everything modern about it with hints of Machine Head and In Flames, and has been expertly put together to heighten the atmosphere and attention span for the listener. It can simply be described as a superb track. “The Anger Inside” is as the title suggest, angry. It has plenty of opportunities for the listener to sing along and will certainly get them involved in the live environment. With hints of Pantera and Machine Head, this track is for those that love to bang their heads.
“Waves” is probably the closest thing that Spreading the Disease could classify as a ballad. It has a nice intro from mastermind Steve before the guitars from James and Martin kick in and get the crowd jumping along. Again Connor’s mix of clean and aggressive vocals is commendable and I really do like the melodic parts within the song mixed with the overall aggression. “Conflicted” is no ballad and initially hits you like Pantera’s “Walk” before diversifying into a multitude of different genres and is definitely the most extravagant of all the tracks on the EP. There is once again a lot of Slipknot here but it’s definitely Spreading the Disease who’ve polished the finished product.
This is a most enjoyable EP from Spreading the Disease and one that should get them to climb the ladder. Once the dust has settled, Spreading the Disease will be looking to tour around a city near you. I have heard a few tracks by the band before this release and its easy to see the progress and belief in the music has reached its optimum here. It’s now up to the band to see if they can follow this up with something even better… which will certainly be a tough but exciting challenge.
Mindcell is out now
SPREADING THE DISEASE
‘Insurrection’
Metal
Independent
Spreading the Disease released ‘Insurrection’ in 2017 and received rave reviews. Although on social media they are listed as Metal I would have a punt and go with a Melodic Hardcore vibe. The album opens with ‘Find My Path’ which is a good track in its own right but it is not until track two, ‘Words Unspoken’ that the band really come into their own with a blend of animalistic growling and superb melodic vocals. ‘Dischord’ brings us more of the same with excellent guitar and ‘Spreading the Disease’ ramps up the quality that is on offer. This is very well produced with excellent musicianship and particularly impressive machine gun drumming. ‘Greed’ is an angry little ditty and ‘Save Me’ is a full-on riff assault. I’m a particular fan of ‘Whores of War’ and ‘Can’t let Go’ is probably my pick of the album and about as close to a ballad as it gets. The ‘Last Goodbye’ ends the album on a high and I have to say that I have been impressed all round. Spreading the Disease are an awesome band and have done an excellent job with this. I’m very hopeful that 2019 will see a new album and a tour. 9/10
A top night of blisteringly loud rawk music last night at The Birds Nest though it didn't bode well when Carrie from Estrangor woke up yesterday with no voice! Several bottles of honey later her and her band knocked out an amazing set. Next up were the doom merchants of Killing Man Jaroh who get better each time I see them then it was the turn of a band who made the floor shake and the roof wobble, literally.
Not putting down any band that has played for me there but Spreading The Disease put in one muthafucka of a show that will be difficult to beat, a metal band with the Linkin Park style double vocal brought the house down with their set. Heard a local say afterwards "I don't even like metal but that was fucking brilliant".
Many thanks to Jon on sound, the staff and all who attended, see you next time.
SPREADING THE DISEASE thanks KERRANG for a great review!!!
3 out of 5 for an album as diverse and unconventional as this album makes us very happy indeed. We do not adhere to genres and look toward creating something a bit different within the parameters of Metal music. So we did expect that people might not understand where were coming from. Most thankfully do and we are humbled indeed.
Big shout out to "Nick Ruskell", "Sam Law" and "Olly Thomas" for their ongoing help and support.
Very much appreciated.
Please read what Kerrang have to say about album and visit their webpage, facebook page and give them a big "LIKE" and support them too.
Buy the magazine an institution of our scene!.
Oh .and why not visit our webpage and facebook too. Thanks. Buy the album theres an idea!. Ty
www stdband.com
SPREADING THE DISEASE - 'INSURRECTION' ALBUM REVIEW
Spreading The Disease (STD) are a modern Metal band from Kent consisting of Connor Russell Snyder on Lead Vocals, Martin Osborne on Guitar and Backing Vocals, Steve Saunders on Bass and Backing Vocals & Jack Apella on Drums.
They are heavily influenced by bands such as Pantera, Machine Head & Slipknot and those influences really do show in their music.
Album Tracklisting
This new album is eleven tracks of pure heaviness designed to be heaven for the majority of Metalheads.
The first track on the album is 'Find My Path' starts off quite gentle and lulls you into a false sense of security, until the vocals hit you hard along with the heavy guitar riffs and hard hitting bass until it goes soft again at the end. Following that is 'Words Unspoken' which even the most mild person cannot ignore the impulse to headbang to.
Track three is 'Dischord' starts with some kind of elvish chanting before the distorted guitars make an appearance followed by the hard vocals. A good blend of lead and backing vocals in this song, giving it a much bigger and impressive sound. The fourth song is the name of the band 'Spreading The Disease', this song is a good mix of Metal and Alternative Rock with maybe a touch of Punk added in, not something you hear every day and I am impressed with the technicality of it.
Halfway through the album is 'Greed', this song has a brilliant video (link below) to accompany it which has been aired on Scuzz TV. This song has an interesting story running throughout and I love the sound these guys make. Sixth track on the album is 'Save Me' beginning with some heavy riff action followed by Connor's gruff vocals another very technical song with almost Punk-like shouting included for good measure.
Song number seven on this album is 'Whores Of War' starts of sounding very much classic rock then gets heavy very quickly in a Pantera style. I find myself singing along to the chorus, having only heard it once! The eighth song is 'Method To My Madness' and straight away I find myself thinking of Machinehead. Just listen to the lyrics in this song and many people will find themselves relating to the song.
The ninth song is called 'Can't Let Go' is a soft ballad mixed with some great guitar riffs and gruff backing vocals. The Penultimate song on the album is called 'Brexit Wounds', can you guess what this song is about? It begins with groovy riffs and is a very angry song but really gets your head nodding and feet tapping. There a a great number of people who will relate to the lyrics in this song.
The eleventh and final song on the album is 'Last Goodbye' which is another great mix of Metal, Punk & Alt Rock blended perfectly. I love the effects in this song.
In conclusion, this band are making music that anyone will have to headbang to, regardless if you have hair or not! The pure energy and devotion to their music is simply EPIC.
The album is a showcase of what STD are capable of and I am not surprised to read that they have management in USA & Europe and I totally expect this band to go far in the Metal world.
The Album 'Insurrection' is available to purchase from all major digital outlets and physical copies available from the band at their gigs.
Review: Spreading The Disease – Insurrection
Spreading The Disease recently released their first full-length album, Insurrection, which follows the highly-rated maiden EP, Viral. With their line-up now finalised with new lead vocalist Connor Russell Snyder, Insurrection aims to capture the attention of the metal world.
What immediately stands out are the vocals. The scream vocal is strong and well-delivered, however, what is more obvious, are the tone and production. With metal bands, especially contemporary ones, when deciding on the balance between depth and clarity, the majority tend to side with the extra power achieved by giving the vocal real low down grunt. But, this masks the delivery, making the lyrical content difficult to extricate. However, Spreading The Disease have clearly decided that the importance of clarity of diction takes precedence. This makes complete sense, as it allows the power of the mostly politically-motivated message to be positively delivered. Let me also add that there is no lack of depth or power as a result, in fact it gives more room for the exceptionally chunky bass and frequent tom and double kick work on the drums. It is refreshing to hear the bass part so clearly, especially as the tone is particularly delightful.
The clean vocals are noticeably weaker than the scream vocal and, maybe as a result, are often heard with the inclusion of backing vocals. This creates an interesting dynamic within the songs, with the sung sections feeling a little eerie.
Without meaning to sound too harsh, the opening to the album was a little disappointing. The build at the start of first track Find My Path just didn’t seem to hit the spot. Perhaps it wasn’t as tight as expected or just didn’t gel or merge correctly, however, the track did improve once it got going.
Perhaps it was a late addition, as the second track, Words Unspoken, has a much more satisfying opening and would perhaps have made a more suitable opening track to the album. The rock n roll riffs in the guitars are especially enjoyable. There is also a fast technical guitar solo which is sure to satisfy keen guitarists everywhere.
The first sign of creative production comes in third track Dischord. The intro and outro have imaginative use of ritualistic chanting, dark choral parts and haunting bells and chimes. This leads to a much more satisfying build than in the opening track. The guitar parts in the verse once again drive the song brilliantly and the call and response nature of the chorus is sure to be a favourite for crowd interaction when performing live.
The tracks Spreading the Disease and Greed are the clear “singles” of the album. They are the easiest to pick up and immediately enjoy, especially Spreading the Disease. The first single, along with video release, though, was Greed. It contains a break with a great bass solo section, which really showcases the quality of the bass part.
Another highlight is the track Whores of War. While the name itself would make it a highlight, it perhaps is the best composed track on the album. Each part is really well written and the chorus is especially memorable. At 6:39 it is the longest track on the album which also allows for a very creative middle section with use of a “war broadcast message” and appropriate sound effects.
With most of the tracks very hard hitting, the only real contrast comes with the ballad Can’t Let Go. The combination of the clean vocal and a guest female vocal makes for very haunting verses, with the backing very sparse with predominantly acoustic guitars. The track is crying out for a kickass guitar solo and sure enough one arrives. It is easily the most tuneful and beautiful of the whole album with great tones. One observation I would make though, is that the guitar seems to sit in the mix rather than cut through. Perhaps a little more treble would raise it an extra level.
Overall, Insurrection is an album that Spreading The Disease should be very proud of. The lyrical content and desire to deliver it distinctly are both admirable and successful. The space created to allow all instruments to be prominent makes the album all the more enjoyable. Though some tracks don’t quite deliver, the majority are very well-composed and some sections display real creativity and brilliance.
3/5
Highlights: Spreading The Disease, Whores of War, Greed
please click on the logo to see "rock radio uk,s review of the new STD Album "Insurrection. thank you.
It’s been a while, but the Sine FM Metal Zone blog returns today with a look at the album Insurrection by Spreading The Disease. They’re from Kent, formed back in 2014 by bass player Steve Saunders. So far their output has consisted of the EP Viral, which received much critical acclaim, and now Insurrection, their debut full length album which came out last year. They describe themselves as a modern metal band, list bands such as Slipknot, Machine Head, Pantera and others as influences, and with Insurrection they certainly seem to have impressed a fair few people and made a decent impact.
There’s certainly no denying the passion these guys show here, the tracks here are bursting with rage and energy, there’s a hell of a lot to like about this band for sure. The heaviness is there, meaty riffs and grooves plough forward and bring a sense of fire and passion throughout Insurrection, you’ve got some fierce vocals too from Connor Russell Snyder, the yells and screams delivering the raw aggression and complemented by decent clean vocals interspersed throughout. If you’re a fan of modern metal you’re going to find Insurrection ticks all the boxes for sure, and certainly the younger metal audience are going to lap this up. It does everything you want it to on that front. However, the same can be said of a lot of bands in what is becoming an incredibly saturated scene and depending on your point of view to hear of a “modern metal” band listing the influences they do will typically evoke one of two reactions. Either chomping at the bit, or rolling your eyes in your head thinking jeez, not another. You could be forgiven for the latter of course, and you’d be pleasantly surprised when Spreading The Disease prove you wrong though, as they’ve delivered a strong debut with the raw aggression you want from a contemporary metal album yet showing enough maturity and diversity to impress all but the most jaded of cynics.
I think what I like most about this album is that they’ve drawn on so many different influences that come together to deliver their music the way that they do. They’ve got a very clear vision in how they want their music to sound, but they’ve got a fair few tricks up their sleeve in how they go about delivering that. Metalcore and hardcore fans will find much to enjoy, particularly in the early songs, opener “Find My Path” and “Words Unspoken” for example. You’ve also got a healthy dose of thrash showing through as well as punk spirit and influence showing through in a lot of the songs, both in the riffing and Connor’s vocal style at times on songs such as “Spreading the Disease” and “Greed” for example. The band do ease off the throttle on “Can’t Let Go” and we hear female vocals paving the way for a great solo which even gives nods to prog and doesn’t sound out of place, even a dash of funk on "Brexit Wounds" too. “Save me” has to be a real highlight of the album where Spreading The Disease really let rip and tear at you full force and I imagine it’s ferocious live too. Another highlight is “Whores of War”, clocking in at six and a half minutes but brings together so many of the strong points of this band in one song and serves as a good taste of what they can really do.
On the surface you’ve got a blisteringly intense full on metal album which holds its own on a crowded scene, but you’ve also got a band which can go much deeper and inject their music with a personality entirely of their own, and this becomes more apparent on repeated listens. If there’s any downside to this album I’d say it’s mainly down to the fact that there’s a lot of unrealised potential here. Spreading The Disease stretch far in many directions and are certainly ambitious. However, while I can’t quite put my finger on exact points there’s times where you think that they occasionally miss the mark or more accurately they sometimes fall short of what you really know they can do. That’s no bad thing, it leaves them somewhere to go, this is a debut album and as debuts go it’s an incredibly strong release, but I did occasionally get the impression that they’re trying a lot of different things here and some of it didn’t have the impact it could have. As I say, this is far from a negative point as it didn’t make me enjoy this album less so much as make me curious as to what we may hear from this band in the future.
In summary then, a great debut, and it’s worth checking Insurrection out if this sort of thing floats your boat, and even if not it’s one well worth giving a chance, you may be pleasantly surprised by Spreading The Disease. They’ve lit the fire here, I’m sure it will burn even more brightly in years to come.
I reviewed Spreading The Disease’s EP a couple of years ago and that featured the awesome song ‘Bulldozer’ – a song that did what it said on the tin, namely rolling over the listener with some power. Spreading The Disease are back with their debut album and have been honing their sound with plenty of live shows, where they have supported the likes of NWoBHM stalwarts Quartz and upcoming band Deadly Circus Fire.
Spreading The Disease consist of Jack Apella (drums and percussion), Steve Saunders(Bass and backing vocals), Connor Russell Snyder (Lead vocals) and Martin Osbourne (Guitars and Backing vocals).
The band wanted to create metal music without any musical constraints and they have certainly created a varied mix of songs, each one led by the distinctive growling vocals of Connor Russell Snyder. They do a bit of atmospherics on ‘Discord’ – like a very metal prog metal, whilst the lead single ‘Greed’ has already been shown on Scuzz TV and shows the band’s knack for combining aggressive vocals/guitar with a melodic and memorable chorus. Not unlike Slipknot, with a bit more melody!
Lyrical they don’t pull any punches, as ‘Brexit Wounds’ and the aforementioned ‘Greed’ both deal with the modern political climate. ‘Brexit Wounds’ also contains a proper old school 80′s metal solo, very tasty indeed.
It pays to go outside your musical comfort zone if it means discovering bands like Spreading The Disease. Passionate playing, metal fuelled riffage and a vocalist who could strip wallpaper off at fifty paces, Spreading The Disease will please all those after a brutal, yet at all times melodic, modern metal fix. ***1/2
Review by Jason Ritchie
We asked the band a few questions about their new album, touring and their plans for 2018 and beyond…
With the new album ‘Insurrection’ out now have the band been pleased with the reviews and fans reaction to date?
Yes very much so, we were a bit concerned due the fact that we don’t write songs you can allocate a genre too, we tend to have quite a unique style so we did not know how it would be accepted. Some people don’t quite get where we are coming from and some tend to be a bit closed minded as to what we do, and why we don’t write to fit in a genre. On the whole though everyone has been totally amazing, some great reviews indeed and the fans always tell us they like the bands music.
Could you take us through the writing and recording process for the album and ideas behind the songs?
Basically Martin and I tend to write the basic songs then the rest of the band add there parts and ideas till done. We already have album 2 in the bag pretty much. We write quickly. Martin and I seem to click instantly and kind of know what a riff needs next without really making an effort. Connor and Jack also pick up fast and know what to add. We record in Magpie studios down in Kent, it’s a great place and Charlie Creese the owner works well with us, he’s a great engineer and producer.
What have been the live highlights for the band to date and why?
Having pretty much been on the road for near on 2 years non stop since the debut EP release in February 2016, we have played some great venues, worked with some amazing people and some of the highlights would definitely be the 02 Academy Birmingham, Rebellion Manchester, Facebarmaggedon with Evil Scarecrow, Raging Speedhorn and many more cool bands, recently having played the Scala in London, Scuzz sponsored night with Trauma PR running the events was amazing, packed venue great atmosphere and professionals running the shows .
How are Spreading The Disease finding getting gigs in the UK? Is the live scene still surviving despite venues closing at an alarming rate?
Steve books the gigs, he is constantly chasing gigs and most of the time organises events himself for us and adds bands to the bill. We have played with dozens of cool bands, met loads of cool people and had a lot of fun.
The venue situation is difficult, everyone has trouble filling the places, despite even being bigger bands, it is a series of things that come to mind as to why many venues don’t do well. Too many bands, not enough money, same bands round and round again, festivals, smoking rules, cost of drinks, travel situations and other. We made a conscious decision to play all over the place and have played some great gigs and some bad ones but overall the idea was to create a buzz for the band, get the name out and keep it in peoples minds.
In an ideal world who would Spreading The Disease like to tour with and why?
There are many bands we would be happy to tour with, but if we had to choose one, we would I am sure all choose Slipknot. We all are into them and some of what we do reflects that. We like their ethos.
What have the band got planned for the next few months and what would you like to have achieved by this time next year?
This year now, 2018, we decided to slow the pace a little now and take a little break, get writing done of the next album and see our families a bit etc. we have been and still are working in the background a lot, we have a manager in the USA who is well respected, working hard and currently negotiating various arrangements but to date nothing finalised. We are looking to try and tour Europe and the USA and are working hard toward that goal. Of course promote the new album everywhere, a new video filmed late spring too with our friends at Visual Lines in Dover, great video company. We would of course love to play festivals but that is down to them offering us a slot. Meantime we move forward and work hard and hopefully will be offered slots having earnt them by merit. Things are going well, we have already had some great gigs come in this year and we have not hardly lifted a finger yet to book. That shows people are taking notice and we do really appreciate that.
Album Review by Lee Preston
8/10
This has been an album I’ve been looking forward to hearing after hearing the debut EP “Viral” by Kent based metallers Spreading the Disease late in 2016, who continuously tour the length and breadth of the country. And I’m pleased to say it surpasses everything the debut promised.
The album starts quite subdued on opening track ‘Find My Path’ before hitting some huge riffs acting as an extended intro before the rest of the albums tracks bludgeon you with razor sharp riffs, varied songwriting and cleverly laid out pacing. This is an album in the true sense, its varied without sounding like a band unsure where to go, quite the opposite, sounding more like a gig with peaks and troughs to give it some pacing, air and a sense of purpose.
Songs vary between groovy metal with an early 90’s vibe bringing Pantera and Prong riffs to a modern abrasive guitar as the basis of song structure, and then going into alt metal in later songs such as ‘Can’t Let Go’ which is an acoustic driven number that has a Tool vibe about it. The vocals are another strong point on this album, the main vocals being an aggressive but clear modern bark with a clear delivery of the lyrical content, which is very direct about modern life. Then there’s the backing vocals which are melodic in a 90s alt rock style, clear but edgy.
All in all, this is a rip roaring album from start to finish. Anyone who likes mid 90s metal, alt rock and modern metalcore will find a lot to enjoy here. Highly recommended!
Before being asked to review this album I was completely unaware of who Spreading The Disease were. But, straight off the bat I can easily tell you that I am glad I was introduced to this band. Spreading The Disease are a face pounding Heavy Metal band forged from the fire of Kent and have been slaying the UK scene since their formation in 2014. Spreading The Disease was formed by Steve Saunders who is the ex bassist from “The Self Titled”. Steve decided to form a band that allowed for a different approach to musical creativity and thus Spreading The Disease was born. Over the band’s short career, they have gone through a couple of line up changes and the quartet now consist of Steve Saunders on Bass and backing vocals, Connor Russell Snyder on Lead Vocals, Jack Apella on Drums and Percussion and Martin Osbourne on Guitar and backing vocals.
They began writing together in early 2015 incorporating a range of personal influences from Slipknot to Pantera which certainly helped define their original sound of contemporary Heavy Metal that is featured throughout their debut full length album. Insurrection was officially released in September 2017 and has already gained support from an impressive range of media outlets such as Scuzz TV and have recently signed a management deal with UK based XL Promotions.
The opener to this album “Find My Path” is a track that perfectly builds the momentum for the following 10 tracks. What I particularly like about intro tracks is that they create a sense of atmosphere and Spreading The Disease nailed it with this one. Track two features a brilliant blend of original character and musical creativity. “Words Unspoken” explodes into a frenzy of complex drum patterns and raging vocals which captivates the listeners from the start. Its a perfect track to follow this albums intro. The fifth track entitled “Greed” is the stand out track on this album and is my personal favourite. This track is pure aggression and features a blend of well crafted and groove filled riffs that is complemented with strong drum progressions. This isn’t the fastest track on the album, but it represents what different musical capabilities that the band can implement into one track.
The album draws to a close with “Last Goodbye” which is actually one of the most upbeat tracks on the entire album. Closing the album on such a high note is actually quite cool as most bands these days tend to wind things down towards the end of an album. This track ends with the vocalist Connor Snyder screaming “this is the last goodbye” and then concludes with the sound of smashing glass. It might sound like a predicable way to end the album but aesthetically it is a great way of bringing the album to a close.
Overall, Insurrection is a great debut from this promising quartet. It features a myriad of different musical styles and showcases each member’s creative capabilities. The only bad thing I would have to say is that I hope the final track really isn’t their “Final Goodbye” because Spreading The Disease are only just getting started. This is a solid album and I can’t wait to hear what the band unleash next.
Modern metal quartet Spreading The Disease from Kent, UK formed in 2014 and then earlier this year in September 2017 they finally unleased their debut album ‘Insurrection’ which shows they are ready to infect metalheads and critics alike with their no-nonsense sounds…
Opening song ‘Find My Path’ starts with a melodic and resonant intro before fierce vocals come in with hard-hitting heavy guitars, it then goes on to feature an effective stripped back section towards the end which gives it extra depth. This is a powerful and strong start to the album.
‘Words Unspoken’ is a thumping tune with great rhythms and is very headbang worthy and incredibly catchy, keeping up the momentum is self-named track ‘Spreading The Disease’ which immediately pulls you in with catchy melodies and is all consuming with mighty riffs and a massive aggressive sound.
Latest single ‘Greed’ is frantic and driven and features some of the best guitarwork so far and again is very belligerent and is bound to get the mosh pits riled up, much like ‘Method To My Madness’ which is a stomping heavy number which stands out with a manic vibe.
The politically charged and obvious ‘Brexit Wounds’ is fuelled with angry and hostility with a bit of Rage Against The Machine and Nu metal vibe coming through in parts which seems fitting that along with catchy bouncy riffs makes this a must hear.
We reach the end with the appropriately titled ‘Last Goodbye’ which features some interesting and good rhythms that are relentless, going all out for the end with an extremely catchy and vicious song to make a lasting impression.
This debut shows modern metal at its finest with hints of groove and nu metal also throughout, so their plague of eleven fierce and powerful offerings should please the masses.
CHRIS STONES
Spreading the Disease are a UK based four piece band playing a modern style of metal that is both edgy and passionate. This isn’t the kinda music you find on the Spotify ‘Moods’ tab - unless of course, you are hoping to grit your teeth and get serious about your day.
Hailing from Kent, this 2014 brainchild of bassist Steve Saunders is difficult to pigeonhole with originality and authenticity in writing that is notable. There are nods to their influences in Pantera and Machinehead and the musicianship is solid with a tight punch to each track on this, their first album ‘Insurrection’.
Opening track ‘Find My Path’ draws on the tried and tested metal slow build to a massive statement. The pace never runs away but this is a lesson on heavy not having to be fast. Acoustic guitar lends an air of darkness with subtle harmonics drawing the listener to an altogether different experience in ‘Words Unspoken’. This angry track oozes tension with a solid riff-heavy approach underpinned by the double kick drums alternating through changes in the time signature through the song to keep the attention.
‘Dischord’ ensures the global metal audience will always have an air of the evil about their subject matter with Saunders’ achieving a bass tone that definitely wasn’t spawned in Kent. This offering shows the range of the vocals available to the band - moving from raw aggressive vocals to the more melodic. Snyder has a breadth of capability that will be impressive on stage and by all accounts, that’s where these guys flourish.
‘Spreading the Disease’ and the band’s first single ‘Greed’ are strong tracks in the middle of the album with some evocative lyrics to mull over while you tie the laces on your boxing gloves. ‘Greed’ has been a winner in its early days gaining good coverage on SCUZZ TV and rightly so. The album grows again with ‘Save Me’ but takes a different direction with the quality brooding ‘Whores of War’ that is again riff driven with a dystopian story that will send chills through your speakers.
‘Can’t Let Go’ tones everything down at the start and the vocals go in a different direction that are hauntingly delivered with a female backing that holds the melody. We hear a beautifully constructed guitar solo on this track that lifts the track before the acoustic outro takes us back to the politically-charged ‘Brexit Wounds’. This track says a lot about the band’s passion and keeps things fresh and doesn’t shy away from what could arguably split an audience given the current state of affairs in Blighty. There’s no dubiety however as STD proudly proclaim (in as many words) that they don’t care what you think as ‘you won’t make a fool out of me’.
Closing track ‘Last Goodbye’ doesn’t let up and is a straight forward metal song that will be strong on stage and features the strong vocal delivery, quality riffs and industrial strength bass and drums that the album is built on.
This mighty band have just signed to XL Promotions and are working with a US company 434 Management with a view to touring Europe and the USA in 2018. ‘Insurrection’ gives them a solid plate of raw meat to serve live and they will be my recommendation for the live scene in 2018 on passion and sheer balls alone.
Spreading The Disease
Insurrection – Self Released
One of the things about modern metal is that there are a lot of bands around. Many are excellent at what they do too so it means you have to offer something unique or have just that bit more to rise to prominence. Spreading The Disease are one of those groups that have a uniqueness to their sound that dares you to not listen to them for just a bit longer. Oddly for a modern metal band that could do very well one of the reasons for this is goes back decades.
Many years ago when people watched bands with their own eyes rather than through the back of a phone the punk scene spawned the likes of Discharge and Agnostic Front. These were the foundation stones for thrash, black and other extreme forms of metal. It’s probably true to say we wouldn’t have Metallica or Napalm Death without Discharge. That punk/metal link is important because you can hear it in Insurrection and it’s one reason why this album works so well. It has variation and a solid base for that to work from.
The great thing here is that this isn’t a nostalgia trip. While the framework is sturdily reminiscent of what formed metal the cladding is bang up to date. There’s an adventurous side to many of the songs, little things such as clever arrangements and unusual guitar work. Spreading The Disease are trying to do something original without going all proggy and they’ve largely succeeded. It also helps that they can come up with cracking songs with titles such as Brexit Wounds. You just have to play it, it’s such a good lure.
Metal acts often forget that audiences and fans are not telepathic so the all important lyrics get lost in a sea of growls and grunts. The vocal here is just about perfect and should serve as a lesson on how to sing the metal style and still make those words count. So many bands are unintelligible so this alone makes Insurrection a class apart. With the market at near saturation point Spreading The Disease have delivered a potential candidate for metal album of the year.
Well, you can add Spreading the Disease and their new album, Insurrection, to King Rhino’s “Best Albums of 2017.” Plus, I’m pretty sure I’ll be naming them as my pick for “Best New Artist of the Year.”
Without a doubt, Insurrection is one of the best metal albums of the year from this young band out of Kent, England, who, interestingly enough, popped onto my grid almost two years ago with their initial EP release. Spreading the Disease captures the best of bands like Slipknot, Linkin Park, Slayer, and I might even venture to say … The Clash. Their approach to metal is not only brutally kick-ass, but it is executed so well, any major headliner would be blessed to have them open up for them.
Their strongest point is easily vocalist Connor Russell Snyder who has the control and range of both Corey Taylor and the late, great Chester Bennington. It’s not necessary to pick out specific tracks on Insurrection. The record, as a whole, deserves to be appreciated from start to finish. I know I’m going to be keeping it in high rotation until 2018 and beyond.
Insurrection is independently released and out now. Buy it here!
SPREADING THE DISEASE - Insurrection Despite Kent 4 piece Spreading The Disease only being on the circuit for 3 years, they have racked up an alarming number of shows across the UK and that road experience is now being utilised in the form of their full length debut 'Insurrection', released in September of 2017. The band's sound can be lazily categorized into modern metal, but there is much more on offer across the 11 tracks than mere trend-following, metal-by-numbers that can plague some bands of their ilk. Opener 'Find My Path' serves as an intro of sorts, reeking of atmospheric guitar tones before letting rip into 'Words Unspoken' - a bombastic flurry of riffs and rhythms that truly belie the fact they've only been making noise for 3 years. The vocals switch between screams and clean, and whereas the clean vocals are competent enough the harsh style of frontman Connor Russell Snyder are what sets apart the band from their underground peers, delivered with confidence, swagger and enough attitude to get the attention of fans of more extreme metal. 'Dischord' is a 6 minute plus epic, with varying tempos, heavy riffage and a keen sense of dynamics ensuring that attention is kept throughout. A powerful, double-bass driven groove forms the backbone of lead single and video 'Greed' - it's safe to say that this track showcases perfectly the style of STD. If any comparisons are needed then think the dirty groove of Machine Head, the grittiness of Spineshank's vocal delivery, the distonal riffage of thrashy Prong with even some hardcore elements scattered throughout the album. 'Save Me' is a catchy thrash-around with manic lead work thrusting the song to its finale and is one of many gems on the album. The dynamics in the songwriting throughout the album would be the envy of some older, more experienced bands - the epic 'Whores Of War' being testament to this with its moody mid-section feeding up to the crescendo. The mid-tempo, expletive-ridden stomper 'Brexit Wounds' (nice title!) leads into the album closer 'Last Goodbye', which hopefully is not the case. 'Insurrection' boasts a meaty, modern production that gives each instrument room to breathe and even brings a sense of control to the more manic moments over the album's 49 minutes running time. With more shows under their belts and even more experience, STD could well become major players in the UK underground metal scene which may be enough to give them that leg-up the ladder they need and rightly deserve. In a scene saturated with identikit bands with more style over substance, it is truly refreshing to hear a band that care about actual songwriting and delivering the goods which they do with aplomb. If the disease sounds as good as this, who would want a cure?! 8/10 Neil 'Not' Coggins (Full Metal Racket, Hard Rock Hell Radio)
From the moment ‘Insurrection’ is launched into motion, Spreading the Disease capitalise on a crucial Metal build-up to encourage interest from the listener. This can be observed straight away in the transition between ‘Find my Path’ and ‘Words Unspoken’. With ‘Find my Path’ taking clear advantage of its continuous increase of power until it merges into the enforcing outlook of ‘Words Unspoken’, the introduction to this album establishes itself as comfortably memorable.
‘Dischord’ follows suite after the infectious bass riff of ‘Words Unspoken’, with its own brand of charismatic Metal impact. Highly catchy breakdowns and easily acceptable, clinical structures allow this to become an extremely commendable track. Up next, Shinedown reminiscent guitar play clashes with the Metal integrity of Spreading the Disease in their self-titled track. Production quality on this track is slightly questionable but, this evidently fails to deficit the songs delivery, as it plays into the hands of the rough-edged manner.
Shades of Metalcore begin to glisten notably due to the vocal approach of ‘Greed’ as it graciously fulfils the albums tradition of conjuring pure conviction. An infectious chorus and irresistible build-up would make this an ideal addition to any live set performed by Spreading the Disease. Solid, shredding guitar play has been a consistent, pivotal feature of ‘Insurrection’ but, this now essential element is spotlighted by ‘Save Me’ amazingly. Providing a platform to fully express this talent, ‘Save Me’ makes short work of establishing itself as a crucial song on the album.
Political undercurrents have been churning away at the core of the ‘Insurrection’ from the outset, piping up confidently in boiling spurts as they increase the depth and meaning that drives the album. These political motives are clearly passionate beliefs for Spreading the Disease, as is demonstrated by ‘Whores of War’. Covering hotly debated world issues, ‘Whores of War’ captures your attention with its courage to speak out and reflects admirably on the bands objectives. ‘Method to my Madness’ and ‘Can’t Let Go’ play less significant roles but still bring the electrifying thunder that has lit the spark of every prior track.
If the extent of political content on this album was initially a mystery, song titles such as ‘Brexit Wounds’ should break the grey area for you. This Frank Carter and the Rattlesnakes tainted track turns up the Punk attitude and transparently represents the views of the band just before ‘Last Goodbye’ concludes excellently. Overall, this is a promising release that stands for the beliefs of the band and shows the genuine talent of Spreading the Disease. Even though ‘Insurrection’ is great, I feel the best is yet to come from Spreading the Disease.
Review Rating: 7
This is the first full length album from these noisy gits from Kent and hers a rundown of their newest offering.
The first track 'Find my path' is a slow building intro track that acts as a great precursor to what is to come.
The first track proper is a hard-core influenced energetic affair called 'Words unspoken' the drums on this track stood out to me and a great guitar solo near the end.
The next song 'Dischord' brings to mind the more mid tempo side of Skinlab.
'Spreading the disease' was the stand out track for me. Some great guitar work boasting heavy riffs and a nice solo. The vocals on this song go really well and the melodies are very good.
The next track 'Greed' has a video that has been getting shown on Scuzz tv. This song reminds me musically of Drowning pool on their first album. But, vocally sounds like Oil Sykes snarling punky side.
'Save Me' sounds like a modern take on the nu-metal of old. There's a nice breakdown that starts with a snarling bass and great guitar work follows.
'Whores of war' starts off sounding like Descent by Fear Factory. But, then goes all post hard-core with an angry onslaught.
'Method to my madness' seems to have a big Stone Sour/Slipknots slower moments influence.
'Can't let go' is almost a ballad in comparison and in my personal opinion doesn't really fit on this album. I'm sure some people will love it though. There is a great guitar solo in there too.
'Brexit wounds' threw me a bit with a very rap rock RATM sound.
The final song 'Last goodbye' has a very '00s nu-metal feel.
The album has a definite Slipknot/Stone Sour influence in the song writing. But, the actual sound is more post hard-core mixed with nu-metal and a smattering of heavy punk and Supercharger era Machine Head. My only gripe is the clean vocals on most songs sound out of place. They work well on the song 'Spreading the disease but in my personal opinion not on other tracks. 'Insurrection' is a very solid enjoyable album.
7/10 - review by John
Review: Spreading The Disease – ‘Insurrection’
3 weeks ago Album Reviews Leave a comment 21 Views
The debut album from Kent based bruisers Spreading The Disease is a lengthy affair. Eleven tracks in total with a running time of just under fifty minutes. Strangely enough, I had just been discussing with a friend how disappointing it was that the current state of affairs in the modern world had little or no influence on many of today’s musicians. Punk reared it’s head in the early 70’s in America, with acts like New York Dolls and Television providing the blueprint, but it was the voices of the British punk movement that really established it as a DIY cultural phenomenon and made the American scene look bloated and contrived. Sex Pistols, The Clash, The Damned, Sham 69, The Stranglers, Stiff Little Fingers… the list is endless, all fuelled by civil unrest and seething resentment of the establishment. What do we have now? Millionaires like Prophets Of Rage with their megaphone lyrics and fists in the air. Fuck you, I won’t do what you tell me, especially since you are preaching from your mansions and hot tubs. The time is ripe for a new breed of angry, pissed off musicians and bands to give a voice to the disillusioned. Bands like Spreading The Disease, in fact. The music is very much 2017, but the attitude could be the division in Thatcher’s Britain instead of Brexit. ‘Insurrection’ is angry, and rightly so. Like Therapy? once famously said, “The world is fucked, and so am I…”
Opening track, ‘Find My Path’ begins life going one way, then takes a sharp turn to the left as the pounding beats kick in with the aggressive vocals from Connor Russell Snyder not too far behind. It’s the shortest track on the album, and one that only hints at the carnage to follow. ‘Words Unspoken’ is the first example of the anger contained within ‘Insurrection’. A strong mix of clean vocals and raw growls, it is five seething minutes. ‘Dischord’ is packed full of vitriol, with the lyrics are spat out. A pit-inducing, powerful track with a creepy ending. With a title like ‘Dischord’, you know that it’s not going to be all peace and love. The same could be said for ‘Greed’, ‘Whores Of War’ and ‘Brexit Wounds’, but it’s ‘Spreading The Disease’ (the song) that chucks it’s hat in the ring as the stand out track on the album. Lyrically, it’s angry and topical; “We live in a system that’s rotten and twisted…”. Musically, it mixes it up with a false ending half way through, before the band pummel the listener with the nastiest of grooves heading towards the climax. Like a speeding train crashing through red lights on the way to destruction, it totally slays all in it’s path.
Another highlight that shows a different side to Spreading The Disease is the semi-ballad ‘Can’t Let Go’. Beginning with a soft acoustic intro (Alice In Chains-like), it soon settles down with some blood-curdling vocals from Snyder. A ballad with growls? Yep, that actually is a thing. The ethereal backing vocals are a nice touch, and especially effective during the spellbinding guitar solo.
‘Insurrection’ is a strong, modern debut album. No quarter is offered, and none should be expected. Check it out here.
Review: Oli
Spreading the Disease – ‘Insurrection’ album review
Posted on October 31, 2017
Band: Spreading the Disease
Album: Insurrection
Release Date: 31st October, 2017
Label: Self Released
Review by Sean
I had to look back at my notes when I was told I’d previously reviewed these guys, and how funny that I was offered the chance to review their EP (fucking blinder, BTW, go listen, and look at my review of it while you do), I was in a similar mood to how I am now. They say life is cyclical, and, well, I’m inclined to agree. For a lot more than just the point I raised above, but it fits what I’m trying to say, so fuck it.
Suffice to say, anger merchants Spreading the Disease (STD for short – how fun) are back with a full album to infect us all with, and fuck me it’s a blinder. As full of rage as they were back with their EP release, they continue to forge a path through metal that no one seems to be paying attention to.
The first thing that stood out to me, before even listening to the album, is that there’s a track on here called ‘Brexit Wounds’, which made me laugh, imagining just what they’d have to say about what is quite a sore subject for many a person. But I’m getting ahead of myself.
The album. It kicks off as you’d expect, vitriolic and full of fire with opener ‘Find My Path’. Self titled track ‘Spreading the Disease’ continues this feeling. Powerful, angry, though there’s a little bit of a punk edge with the vocals here. More shouted and sung than screamed and growled. It’s… odd, but weirdly I still love it. In fact it could well be my favourite on the album, simply because of how it shows just how well the band can merge their sound with differing styles of music.
‘Greed’ is a song STD did a music video for, so I guess you could call it a single, though I can’t see it getting much airplay nationally on big stations, which is a massive shame, because it’s fucking great, and honestly, is just the sort of song places like the Beeb need to fucking hear.
This is followed by ‘Save Me’, and honestly, it’s this full album that made me love the band. In a previous review I mentioned about not liking it when bands try to convey a message that they believe in through their music, and maybe it’s just when I’m not a fan of that particular message, but I’m loving what STD are putting down here. Anarchic, in mind of what punk is supposed to stand for. It ticks my boxes alright.
Another shout out to ‘Can’t Let Go’, which is what I’m gonna go ahead and call a song that sounds similar to those “soft” ones that Slipknot do. Listen to it, hear those vocals, you’ll know JUST what I mean by it. Still a good song, just odd to hear it when it’s surrounded by everything else on here. From there though, it’s pretty much as you were, as the album comes to a close with the final two tracks, one of which is the aforementioned ‘Brexit Wounds’. This isn’t the time for politics, because it’s a fucking album review, so I’ll not say much about it, you can listen for yourself.
On the whole though, this was an album I loved. It really did help with my overall mood, and I’ll be damned if I’m missing this lot if they’re ever in my neck of the woods. Mark my words.
Spreading the disease – ‘Insurrection’
Introducing ‘Insurrection’, the skull crushing new album from Spreading The Disease.
Find My Path – Delicious bluesy intro, with unexpected folky hints! Getting harder and heavier now, it explodes, into a full on metal attack). Expressive, inventive, truly inspired, in its way of combining heavy and gentler sections and moving from blues to aggressive metal and then intermingling the two. Listen carefully and you’ll even hear a slight G’N’R’ ‘U.Y.I’. era sound in there. A genuinely original move away from their previous material, to a more eclectic, melodic sound, bound to hit a chord with many. A new and vibrant direction for STD.
Words Unspoken – Here, we have a more typical STD deathy/thrashy style, packed with raucous angry vibes and throwing in a melo-death aspect, working well for this track. A really great interplay of viciously emoted lyrics and thunderous instrumentals, with just enough melody over the top to make it relatable. Another track with which many will identify.
Dischord – Intrigue and mystery! Chanting opens, onto an initially gentle and increasingly heavy section, injecting catch into the rhythm and infectious anger. I suspect this is going to be a common favourite. Melody making a stronger appearance from the mid-section, along with the faster, equally catchy pace, it’s a stunningly powerful track. Returning to the mysterious chanting and tinkling windchimes at the end, it really has gone all out to create a novel technique and it works, for me, at least.
Spreading The Disease – Introing with a clearly heavily melodic riff section, joining it with anthemic vocals and pure, tight cohesion, it’s plausible and packed with rage. A fabulous sound, with top quality audio production, this will destroy your ears and blow your mind. Then you’ll go back for more.
Greed – Incredible towering and descending riff scale intro, soon accompanied by raging vocals, some tasty riff medleys and outstanding bass work. Ace rolling drum sound and absolutely impeccable timing. It’s an ace.
Save Me – Even harder, even heavier, even more powerful. Brilliantly timed and paced rolling rhythm, matched perfectly, both vocally and instrumentally. Proving enviable stamina, in the sheer force of performance, the momentum alone is mightily impressive. Even the words ‘solid metal’ seem inadequate in the face of such awesome talent. Just immense and stacked with willpower x 1000.
Whores Of War – Returning to that gorgeously guitar focused intro sound, only this time, utilising a steel string, in a truly tremendous way. Now heating things up, with a more metalled up arrangement, bringing in a catchier element, still occasionally interspersed with the steel strings, you’ve just got to love the zest involved in this track and the pace’ll get you, if nothing else does. This is what you call extreme metal impact.
Method To My Madness – A darker feel to this, with a sinister atmosphere and a sharp edge, lyrically revealing, potentially disturbing, even, for some. Though to others, its message may seem bravely outspoken and honest. Either way, this song’s gonna hit home. Distinguishable, in its lyric appropriate mass of aggro noise and sheer sense of emotional overspill, not to mention that creepy laugh, making its presence felt, sporadically, there’s certainly a unique spin to this.
Can’t Let Go – Beautiful acoustic intro, brimming with sincere emotion. Well timed accompaniments, taking it back to the acoustic section again, this time, joined by guest female vocals, bringing in a lively full metal section, filled with the inexplicably angry passion of one who’s taken too much and now had enough. Geniusly interweaving the multiple levels and forms of gentler and stronger emotions, it’s a true, heartfelt, impassioned track, whose sound and feel will resonate with most.
Brexit Wounds – Banging massive explosion of an intro! This’ll wake you up if nothing else does! Curious recitation of ‘The Lord’s Prayer’, in metal form, with the meaning of lack of faith soon making itself known. The sheer intensity of feeling within this will leave a lasting impression, that’s for sure. Stopping just short of hateful, it’s lyrics show a deep and abiding mistrust of the religious beliefs referred to, possibly born of any number of reasons or negative personal experiences, but the point is that once again, the emotion is believable and creates the anger that drives the song. Incensed, furious and embittered, the rage is what makes it.
Last Goodbye – Yum! Electrifying Slayer-esque riff introing, setting the scene for a looser, more open styled track, still pouring in heaps of raging emotion, right to the end, but just tempering it with a more electrically based foundation, apt for a closing track. Demonstrating its wares, to the highest standard, it’s a forgivably shorter track and does all it needs to, in consolidating it’s raw, enraged message.
Overall – 11 tracks of blistering, unrepentant, no holds barred, brain crushing metal. Could there be a better compliment than that? ‘Insurrection’ is the proof that STD have moved up a gear and in the right direction. Now, the heaviness is even heavier and there’s melody, blues, a few folky touches here and there, a wider variety of guitars, some guest vocals and an all-round greater passion and meaning thrown in aswell. Packing an enormous punch, ‘Insurrection”s an awesome sound and a great move forward for STD.
10/10 **********
For fans of eclectic heavy-metal, utilising hosts of guitars, with varied influences, from widespread rock and metal genres.
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SPREADING THE DISEASE
Insurrection
Self-Released/Independent
Spreading The Disease are a UK groove/nu-metal act that have been garnering a lot of attention. Even I thought their Viral EP was quite formidable, having covered it on my home website a few years back. I particularly remember “Bulldozer” being a real crusher. Well, years have passed and the band’s first actual debut release is now upon us. So how does it fare?
Quite simply, it makes me think of a more punctual Vision Of Disorder with a slight Pantera and Machine Head kind of vibe. This is particularly due to the vocal efforts of frontman Connor Russel Snyder. He seems to use the band as a bit of a soapbox, speaking out about several issues, sometimes in the nature of hefty dialogue. This has been done within punk and hardcore for quite a time, but it also reminds me of Skyclad and in particuliar, the Walkyier days. The record is full of angsty protest, much in the vein of many other nu-metal discs during that era. The only difference here, is that it is a bit more political in nature, specifically the song “Brexit Tears” which requires no more explanation of that point. In fact, the band’s first video single “Greed” seems to further exemplify their political leanings.
As you may expect for such a politically natured album, the record also contains several bits of punk and metalcore. Snyder’s vocals in particular feel like a mix of these, creating something that feels like Sick Of It All or Iron Reagan with extra bits of groove/nu-metal. But you didn’t really expect them to release a disc that was pure nu-metal in 2017, did you? Rather Insurrectionseems to capture the best parts of nu-metal and sandwich them inside of a punk/core sandwich, which has the ability to access many groups of people within both the punk and nu-metal scenes.
In the same breath, I will say that the sound here is a bit different than that offered within the band’s Viral EP and I don’t yet know how I feel about that. After all, Viral wasn’t as preachy as far as the lyrical delivery and offered a bit more punch. Still, I love Vision Of Disorder and find this album kind of a second coming in that respect, it feels like these Brits evolved VOD’s formula into something equally as powerful as their classics. Though honestly, I think that if I’m going to look at this through the eyes of a post-metalcore generation; I’ll be quite pleased with the return to punk aesthetics of the disc as well as it’s abiltity to capture the core bands that I grew up listening to. I might not care so much for the grooves and would consider more technicality a selling point. It’s extremely tough to categorize this through the eyes of the next metal generation and having spoken with many of these people in communities, I am seeing an unexpected divide between classic metal and nu-metal, with a great appreciation for all things technical and artistic, as well as extreme core groups. The nu-metal portions utilized in this band might appeal more to my generation, but I’m not sure how well the kids will get into it and I’m rather lost on the target demographic here. Is this being marketed for me or the new generation of hevay music listeners?
Regardless of that demographic, I can say that the record features a slew of great solo pieces and these are not so common in groove/nu-metal type acts. Additionally, these songs are a bit more complex in some areas than a lot of the commonplace nu-metal/groove acts were, even throwing in some thrash nodes in “Save Me” which I wouldn’t have expected. It’s assured that Martin Osbourne really wanted to show off on the record, and he does get that chance several times through. Aside from that, band mastermind Steve Saunders pounds out heavy bass riffs in addition to slightly more technical sections here and there that just happen to give the music a bit more finesse. For a debut album, Insurrection had quite a bit of thought put into it and I think that will be the main selling point. Now it just needs some ears.
7/10
Spreading The Disease-`Insurrection` review.
Two years on from first becoming aware of the band when they released their `Viral` EP,the band have announced their intent on the metal stage with a storming new album,`Insurrection`.
Formed in 2014,the band have been working hard,spreading the gospel with non stop gigging writing songs for the album,refining their craft which has all culminated in this 11 song opus,mixing various metal elements from melodic harmonies(Cant Let Go) to hard edged power(Save Me).Stand out tracks on the album are `Greed`(showcased on Scuzz TV)where the bands power and energy are reflected in perfect synergy,`Words Unspoken` vocally delivers on all fronts and `Last Goodbye`which closes the album with an all out riff laden assault.
Overall,the album offers something for all metalheads and the band can be proud of `Insurrection` and I believe there is more to come from them!
Hookys Rating-4/5
RBX BILL DUNNE LIVE REVIEW
A LIVE AND BRILLIANT REVIEW THIS TIME FROM DJ LURCH/RBX RADIO. big thanks to Bill for coming down and spending time with us great fella and the review is so much appreciated.
Having been invited to attend a gig put on by Spreading The Disease at the Firehouse in Southampton to a review on the evening which I thought would be a good opportunity to see them live and
have a chat with the lad's before hand which I must say was a great laugh, as in my opinion they are a lot more laid back and relaxed compared to there serious but fun stage performance.
I did put some silly question's together just to get the evening off to a relaxed start and get to know the lad's which I found great fun so here goes I did tell them I would be putting what they answered.
To start with if people don't already know the band consist's of Steve Saunders (bass) - Connor Russell Snyder(lead vocals) - Martin Osbourne(Guitar) - Jack Apella(drums)
Q1:- Who is the bands biggest influences.
Steve - Black Sabbath
Connor - Most commercial metal
Martin - Valium - Foo Fighters
Jack - Lamb Of God
Q2:- Who has worst habits on the road.
Connor
Q3:- Who's the quietest one.
None of them
Q4:- Who's the joker (practical)
Jack
Q5:- who's the most annoying.
Steve
Q6:- Who's the funniest.
All of them have there moments but they said possibly there photographer Kasey Clay who come's out with some gem's at time's.
Q7:- Who would be your altermate band to support.
Steve - Slipknot
Connor - Slipknot
Martin - Dillinger/Escape Plan
Jack - Lamb Of God
Q8:- Main ambition of the band.
Hopefully to get to tour the world but there main aim is to keep enjoying the passion of performing and to never lose it and keep there fan's happy.
As they all agreed without the passion & enjoyment there would be no point in doing it.
That concluded the Q&A like I said just some silly one's to get the evening of to a light, fun start, I enjoyed it the n it was onto the main purpose of the evening to hopefully give an independent review
of the night's proceedings.
The night started with a band called Province who I would discribe as an urban/rap band meet's metal I was a bit taken a back when they started but the more I listen to them grow to really like the sound,
in my opinion the more they perform and work on it the better they will get and hopefully go far will be hoping to get to see them again sometime and can be highly recommended if you like someting different.
Moving onto the second band of the night they we're called Black Forge as I would discribe as an old school sounding and looking rock/metal band which was right up my alley and we're really good and know
how to rock a venue did particulary like the track "Iam the dark" but at the end of the day not much more I can say about this band as I think they already have it all going for them if your into your old school
rock/metal then these would fit the bill at any venue or occasion.
We now move onto the main band of the night which was Spreading The Disease, well what can I say about these guy's apart from there great fun & do really know how to put on a show being the first time I had
seen them live didn't know what to expect but hell these guy's know how to rock and get the audience invloved, from Martin coming off the stage and wandering around venue playing a mean lead guitar in amongst
the watching audience through to the crazy lead singer in Connor who know's how to put on a show, you also have the little bass player in Steve also give's it his all plus the guy who don't normally get the praise
they deserve the drummer Jack who in my opinion give's the band a mean style of drumming, which all in all give's you an awesome 4 piece band who give it there all with not only there sound but with there stage
present and there ability to interact with there audience's to get the whole venue rocking.
To end this little review of the gig from last night (11/11/17) at the Firehouse in Southampton is that there we're 2 awesome band's in Province & Black Forge who would be highly recommended for any venue as a
headliner to the headliner for the night Spreading The Disease who in my opinion could headline any venue in there own right and can only go on to bigger success from now on if they keep there passion & fun
elements they have a great future, they also have an album out called "Insurrection" which I will be reviewing at a later date all I can say for now is it is an awesome album which I have listened to several time's.
Many Thanks for an awesome night guy's hope to do it again sometime soon.
DJ Lurch...RBX Radio...(bill dunne)Having been invited to attend a gig put on by Spreading TheHaving been invited to attend a gig put on by Spreading The Disease at the Firehouse in Southampton to a review on the evening which I thought would be a good opportunity to see them live and
have a chat with the lad's before hand which I must say was a great laugh, as in my opinion they are a lot more laid back and relaxed compared to there serious but fun stage performance.
I did put some silly question's together just to get the evening off to a relaxed start and get to know the lad's which I found great fun so here goes I did tell them I would be putting what they answered.
To start with if people don't already know the band consist's of Steve Saunders (bass) - Connor Russell Snyder(lead vocals) - Martin Osbourne(Guitar) - Jack Apella(drums)
Q1:- Who is the bands biggest influences.
Steve - Black Sabbath
Connor - Most commercial metal
Martin - Valium - Foo Fighters
Jack - Lamb Of God
Q2:- Who has worst habits on the road.
Connor
Q3:- Who's the quietest one.
None of them
Q4:- Who's the joker (practical)
Jack
Q5:- who's the most annoying.
Steve
Q6:- Who's the funniest.
All of them have there moments but they said possibly there photographer Kasey Clay who come's out with some gem's at time's.
Q7:- Who would be your altermate band to support.
Steve - Slipknot
Connor - Slipknot
Martin - Dillinger/Escape Plan
Jack - Lamb Of God
Q8:- Main ambition of the band.
Hopefully to get to tour the world but there main aim is to keep enjoying the passion of performing and to never lose it and keep there fan's happy.
As they all agreed without the passion & enjoyment there would be no point in doing it.
That concluded the Q&A like I said just some silly one's to get the evening of to a light, fun start, I enjoyed it the n it was onto the main purpose of the evening to hopefully give an independent review
of the night's proceedings.
The night started with a band called Province who I would discribe as an urban/rap band meet's metal I was a bit taken a back when they started but the more I listen to them grow to really like the sound,
in my opinion the more they perform and work on it the better they will get and hopefully go far will be hoping to get to see them again sometime and can be highly recommended if you like someting different.
Moving onto the second band of the night they we're called Black Forge as I would discribe as an old school sounding and looking rock/metal band which was right up my alley and we're really good and know
how to rock a venue did particulary like the track "Iam the dark" but at the end of the day not much more I can say about this band as I think they already have it all going for them if your into your old school
rock/metal then these would fit the bill at any venue or occasion.
We now move onto the main band of the night which was Spreading The Disease, well what can I say about these guy's apart from there great fun & do really know how to put on a show being the first time I had
seen them live didn't know what to expect but hell these guy's know how to rock and get the audience invloved, from Martin coming off the stage and wandering around venue playing a mean lead guitar in amongst
the watching audience through to the crazy lead singer in Connor who know's how to put on a show, you also have the little bass player in Steve also give's it his all plus the guy who don't normally get the praise
they deserve the drummer Jack who in my opinion give's the band a mean style of drumming, which all in all give's you an awesome 4 piece band who give it there all with not only there sound but with there stage
present and there ability to interact with there audience's to get the whole venue rocking.
To end this little review of the gig from last night (11/11/17) at the Firehouse in Southampton is that there we're 2 awesome band's in Province & Black Forge who would be highly recommended for any venue as a
headliner to the headliner for the night Spreading The Disease who in my opinion could headline any venue in there own right and can only go on to bigger success from now on if they keep there passion & fun
elements they have a great future, they also have an album out called "Insurrection" which I will be reviewing at a later date all I can say for now is it is an awesome album which I have listened to several time's.
Many Thanks for an awesome night guy's hope to do it again sometime soon.
DJ Lurch...RBX Radio...(bill dunne) Disease at the Firehouse in Southampton to a review on the evening which I thought would be a good opportunity to see them live and
have a chat with the lad's before hand which I must say was a great laugh, as in my opinion they are a lot more laid back and relaxed compared to there serious but fun stage performance.
I did put some silly question's together just to get the evening off to a relaxed start and get to know the lad's which I found great fun so here goes I did tell them I would be putting what they answered.
To start with if people don't already know the band consist's of Steve Saunders (bass) - Connor Russell Snyder(lead vocals) - Martin Osbourne(Guitar) - Jack Apella(drums)
Q1:- Who is the bands biggest influences.
Steve - Black Sabbath
Connor - Most commercial metal
Martin - Valium - Foo Fighters
Jack - Lamb Of God
Q2:- Who has worst habits on the road.
Connor
Q3:- Who's the quietest one.
None of them
Q4:- Who's the joker (practical)
Jack
Q5:- who's the most annoying.
Steve
Q6:- Who's the funniest.
All of them have there moments but they said possibly there photographer Kasey Clay who come's out with some gem's at time's.
Q7:- Who would be your altermate band to support.
Steve - Slipknot
Connor - Slipknot
Martin - Dillinger/Escape Plan
Jack - Lamb Of God
Q8:- Main ambition of the band.
Hopefully to get to tour the world but there main aim is to keep enjoying the passion of performing and to never lose it and keep there fan's happy.
As they all agreed without the passion & enjoyment there would be no point in doing it.
That concluded the Q&A like I said just some silly one's to get the evening of to a light, fun start, I enjoyed it the n it was onto the main purpose of the evening to hopefully give an independent review
of the night's proceedings.
The night started with a band called Province who I would discribe as an urban/rap band meet's metal I was a bit taken a back when they started but the more I listen to them grow to really like the sound,
in my opinion the more they perform and work on it the better they will get and hopefully go far will be hoping to get to see them again sometime and can be highly recommended if you like someting different.
Moving onto the second band of the night they we're called Black Forge as I would discribe as an old school sounding and looking rock/metal band which was right up my alley and we're really good and know
how to rock a venue did particulary like the track "Iam the dark" but at the end of the day not much more I can say about this band as I think they already have it all going for them if your into your old school
rock/metal then these would fit the bill at any venue or occasion.
We now move onto the main band of the night which was Spreading The Disease, well what can I say about these guy's apart from there great fun & do really know how to put on a show being the first time I had
seen them live didn't know what to expect but hell these guy's know how to rock and get the audience invloved, from Martin coming off the stage and wandering around venue playing a mean lead guitar in amongst
the watching audience through to the crazy lead singer in Connor who know's how to put on a show, you also have the little bass player in Steve also give's it his all plus the guy who don't normally get the praise
they deserve the drummer Jack who in my opinion give's the band a mean style of drumming, which all in all give's you an awesome 4 piece band who give it there all with not only there sound but with there stage
present and there ability to interact with there audience's to get the whole venue rocking.
To end this little review of the gig from last night (11/11/17) at the Firehouse in Southampton is that there we're 2 awesome band's in Province & Black Forge who would be highly recommended for any venue as a
headliner to the headliner for the night Spreading The Disease who in my opinion could headline any venue in there own right and can only go on to bigger success from now on if they keep there passion & fun
elements they have a great future, they also have an album out called "Insurrection" which I will be reviewing at a later date all I can say for now is it is an awesome album which I have listened to several time's.
Many Thanks for an awesome night guy's hope to do it again sometime soon.
DJ Lurch...RBX Radio...(bill dunne)
By Andy Thunders
Spreading the Disease is a metal band from the UK, their latest “Insurrection” is a mix of thrash and nu metal vibes, with a lot of Machine Head style politically driven lyrics. It’s intense, heavy and to the point. The song “Brexit Wounds,” is a banger, with some Slipknot vibes, mixed with the old school thrash vibes. For someone who hasn’t listened to a lot of Nu Metal since its inception, it’s nice to hear a different approach to it.
The song “Can’t Let Go,” starts off with a soft, almost grungy opening, with acoustic guitars and mournful lyrics and vocals. It picks up and has some screaming, but its melodic, holy shit it’s a ballad! Not a corny ballad either, it’s a real thing. Pain and rage contained. Anyone who has ever felt on the brink of a breakdown, and you scare yourself, you’ll relate. It’s almost beautiful. Dark as hell, but beautiful. Female vocals also help. The nice thing is you can’t really Pidgeon hole these dudes. A nice solo adds to the song. The it slows down once again with the acoustic and vocals. Well done.
“Dischord,” starts with an audio clip of some kind of creepy dark mass, and a dirty guitar starts, and the distorted background guitars kick in, adding to it, a menacing and very uncomforting feel. A dense thick atmosphere and sound, then kicks in with pissed off vocals, and a catchy, very headbanging verse and hook. There’s a punk attitude behind all the metal. Some creepy windchimes bring a nice sonic touch. This album so far, is for the forgotten, the outsider, the nobody, who’s fed the fuck up with society, and it’s brutal, honest, and stomps your head into a curb. Pounding drums and heavy riffs are fucking concussive.
“Find my path,” starts with a bluesy riff, with acoustic and electric guitars. Some melodic guitar fills, then it starts with the pounding drums, and the guitars get louder, and boom! A slow dirge, floaty, pissed off sounding song. Almost a sort of black metal vibe to this tune. Then it slows down again, with some nice melodic vocals, and light guitars. Very short but fucking sweet.
“Greed,” starts with a great fucking anthemic rumble of a tune, screaming, heavy thumping riff. There is an awesome, powerful bridge. Speaking about how the rich elite control the entire world, and rips them a new asshole. It slows down in the middle for a nice groove, and a guitar starts shredding over the pissed off voice, like holy fuck dude!! Then a thumping bass brings the song back from the bridge, then explodes.
“Last Goodbye” has a swing and a groove to it, with more of that old school vibe. Then goes into a pissed off, old school, nu metal style verse. If Papa Roach had balls they’d sound more like this. But they don’t, and Spreading the Disease does. A nice punky break and solo adds another side to this song. A breakdown with sum pounding bass and drums before the chanting of “I NEED HELP” ensues and explodes into the Armageddon of a chorus.
“Method To My Madness,” begins with a ratty bass line and some creepy guitar work. Then explodes into a heavy as fuck song, speaking of having mental dysfunction, or being accused of having mental dysfunction to discredit you. Then it pushes into a punky riff and rhythm. “HERE I COME, THERE’S A METHOD TO MY FUCKING MADNESS!” fucking aye, man. Some nice guitar work is littered all over the album, I can’t get over it. I don’t think I ever enjoyed Nu Metal this much. Majority of it is absolute shite, if I’m to be honest.
“Save Me,” has a nice opening riff, and awesome, empowering lyrics about religious hypocrites, I seriously love it. Such a grinding rhythm, a dystopian nihilism, screaming about the atrocities of the human race, at the top of their apocalyptic lungs. Spreading the Disease, has a nice groove and riff. A headbanger. An anthem for the “woke” fuckers, the ones who refuse to accept the bullshit in the world. A great vocal track, and great melodies on this one.
“Whores of War,” starts off slow, acoustic, and dirge like, with softly spoken lyrics, you can feel it building in a menacing, maniacal riff, about as heavy as the lyrical content, basically speaking truth about the war business and oil, over some sick riffs. And now we reach the end, with “Words Unspoken,” an intense blast, wall of sound. An awesome fucking riff, and groove. It makes you want to break everything around you, it’s so damn intense. I am very impressed with these guys, I did not think I’d enjoy it at first, but it’s nu metal with a crapload of twists and influences. It isn’t stupid shit like Limp Bizkit, with his whining about not having things his way. Its pissed off, balls out metal. This album is not for the faint of heart or easily offended.
01. Find My Path
02. Words Unspoken
03. Dischord
04. Spreading the Disease
05. Greed
06. Save Me
07. Whores of War
08. Method to my Madness
09. Can’t Let Go
10. Brexit Wounds
11. Last Goodbye
Follow Spreading the Disease on their social media:
I’ve been sat on this one for a while as things have been manic-hectic-mental around Moshville Towers and as such, it’s already out. However, that’s no reason not to tell people about Insurrection, especially when it’s definitely something that’s deserving of their attention.
We originally came across Spreading the Disease at the end of 2015 when we featured them as a Band of the Day. I guess you’d describe them as a “modern” metal band. Hard, heavy and with bits and pieces from all over. Hardcore, punk, nu-metal, melodic death and an edge of industrial… all wrapped up in the occasional foray into other territories because why not?
Insurrection is one step in Spreading the Disease’s big plan. A band with a mission, they know they have to be hitting all the targets square on to achieve it and with Insurrection they’ve scored a bullseye. With an Exocet.
Opener “Find My Path” totally wrong-foots the listener. A peaceful, plunky acoustic opening builds slowly, not into the heavy rocker you’d expect through the first twenty seconds, but to a crushing post-hardcore number filled with angst and anger.
Then there’s the track that bears the band’s name. Twin vocals, a banging rhythm and a flurried guitar solo in the middle that sounds like someone introduced Chuck Berry to heavy metal. This gives way to current single “Greed” (video below) with an intro that bears a passing similarity to Annihilator’s “King of the Kill” if it was coated in concrete.
Love/Hate could have written the intro to “Whores of War”, but Jizzy and his old friends never penned anything as heavy as the rest of the track turns out to be, though it’s still a sidestep compared to other tracks on here. The obviously topical “Brexit Wounds” throws some funky rap sounds into the mix and works really well.
Listening through Insurrection, you can’t help but feel that Spreading The Disease are still experimenting, trying to nail down “their” sound… or perhaps their sound just simply is never going to be so easily defined. If this is the case, then I’m all for it. This is an album with many personalities, and all of them want to be heard. Fortunately they’re all saying something worth listening to.
Spreading The Disease: official | facebook | twitter | instagram | soundcloud | youtube
Spreading The Disease – Insurrection
Getting our claws into their outstanding debut EP at the beginning of last year, we suggested that UK metallers Spreading The Disease had “much bigger and bolder trespasses waiting to be nurtured and uncaged as the band evolves.” The release of their first album Insurrectionhas more than confirmed that thought and realised those hopes in uncompromising and rousing style. The album is a furnace of creative irritability and ravenous imagination, a rabid cauldron of metal bred flavours and angers which confirms Spreading The Disease as one of the most exciting propositions emerging on the British metal scene.
The creation of bassist Steve Saunders, formerly of another fine proposition in The Self Titled, Kent hailing Spreading The Disease emerged in 2014 and quickly lured keen attention through the single Bulldozer and their explosive live presence. Last year the Viral EP stamped the band as a new beast on the UK metal scene, its plaudits garnering release backed by a year scorching venues and ears to equal acclaim. Insurrection is the next step in the band’s evolution and rise; an encounter roaring with the new maturity and invention fuelling the band’s songwriting and sound and snarling with even greater ferocity and quarrel.
The band’s lined up has gone through major changes since Viral, Saunders and guitarist Martin Osbourne being joined by vocalist Connor Russell Snyder and drummer Jack Apella. Whether the spark or just coincidence, the new line-up has coincided with that new evolution and creative breath in an already striking sound. When starting up Spreading The Disease, Saunders wanted to “produce a sound and music that although draws from many bands and influences throws it all into a melting pot and comes out the other side with something that in this day and age is hard to achieve, a sound of their own; a distinctive style that cannot be pigeon holed to say the least.” Insurrection announces the band has achieved that aim; yes there are plenty of recognisable flavours but woven into something compellingly individual to the quartet.
The album opens up with Find My Pathand a lure of melodic metal with a darker bass resonance which increasingly looms in on the senses before igniting in a blaze of emotive ire and sonic intensity. Even so it holds its tempest in check, teasing and coaxing attention whilst intriguing the imagination with its unpredictable bait. As it slips into the ethers, the following Words Unspoken is boiling up to launch its sonic lava on the senses. Within seconds a great groove has body and spirit inflamed; its open Pantera inspirations extra pleasure as it burns away. There is a disorder to the song, a tempestuousness which threatens as it pleasures with the band’s vocal backing to the magnetic growls of Snyder excellent, an anthemic call in the heat of the song’s furnace.
There is a ‘calmer’ air to the following Dischord, well a less corrosive tone though it too is a bear of a proposal which is as caustic as it is imaginative. Osbourne paints the trespass with magnetic enterprise, his melodic tendrils and searing grooves as potent as the cantankerous riffs which escape his strings whilst the bass of Saunders springs its own invasive grooving to thrill. Though living up to its title in tone and presence, the track is a web of raw adventure though soon outshone in that department and might by the song Spreading The Disease. Already the album is the source of great variety in sound and style, pushed further by the fourth track and its fusion of nu and groove metal with far darker metal bred textures courting hardcore nurtured antagonism. The song is outstanding, a brawl in the waiting and raw seduction in the making.
Through the Stone Sour/ Sick Of It All spiced Greed, a striking and virulent invasion of punk infused groove metal which just gets more addictive listen by listen, and the similarly textured but far more savage Save Me, the album hits another plateau. Song by song to this point it has just grown in stature and impressiveness, a peak which Whores Of War nurtures to another high with its melodic suggestion and feral antipathy. Its attitude born rancor and sonic annoyance swiftly grabs ears and appetite; the rhythmic vindictiveness of Saunders and Apella as rousing as it is carnivorous and superbly bound in the captivating enterprise of Osbourne. Snyder skilfully bawls from the midst, his power and emotion undoubtedly giving Spreading The Disease a new weapon in their arsenal.
Even darker depths are tapped into by Method To My Madness, Saunders leading the way with his malevolence spewing bass with the band soon uniting in open crankiness and imposing dexterity. The track does not quite match up to those around it yet it grips attention and enjoyment from start to finish with moments where its creative psychosis just hits the spot before Can’t Let Go offers its plaintive reflection, again Stone Sour hinted at within its increasingly volcanic cry. Female vocals add to its magnetism, again the band pushing their imagination and the landscape of the album.
The Rage Against The Machine natured Brexit Wounds snarls and hollers next, Spreading The Disease once again twisting open inspirations into an aural rage of their own design. Plenty of other spices blossom as the song grows and spills its aggravated heart, whiffs of Red Hot Chili Peppers and Slayer arising in the excellent attack before the album closes up with Last Goodbye. It too embraces a Zack de la Rocha and co flavouring, melding it to a hardcore/groove metal furor as skilfully sculpted as it is ferociously delivered.
It is a storming end to an album which sears the senses and ignites the spirit. Insurrection is a brutal imagination bound treat from a band which we will not say has come of age as you still feel there is much more for they and pleasure to plunder ahead but has certainly established a new plateau for their sound and their position within the UK metal scene.
Insurrection is out now across most online stores.
Kent based hard metallers 'Spreading The Disease' have released their first full length album titled 'Insurrection' and its an album that offers every emotion and from the outset 'Find My Path' you are treated to the angry snarling vocals of 'Connor Russell Snyder' almost like he has ordered a chinese sweet and sour and you have filled it with razor blades and he is pretty pissed off about it from the sullen soulful 'Cant Let Go' with a blues fuelled guitar solo and soulfully crisp vocal arrangement to the full on in your face double kick drums and satanic like vocals of 'Words Unspoken' with a harmonic singalong chorus to pump your loins before the next demonic cry ' Whores Of War' with an almost Dio like guitar intro that fades to the faint whisper of angry vocals which soon erupts into an assault on your ears and senses with added angry drums bass and guitar adding to an anti war like cry filled with politically charged lyrics.
Rating 8
Antibiotics won't save you from this!
The UK’s Spreading The Disease are back to scatter their metal filth around the place and after Viral, their well received debut EP, made quite the splash at the beginning of last year, it’s now the turn of full length album Insurrection, to plague the masses and quicken the pulse of STD’s own legion of faithful maggots!
In a nutshell, Spreading The Disease are a snottier, punkier version of Slipknot; a solid, rampaging ball of tightly-wound aggression that growls, screams, shouts and sings over a set of anthems that unravel at a frantic pace. Amidst hyperactive drums, complex and compelling riffing and often ridiculously fast fretwork, Spreading The Disease go hell-for-leather for the majority of Insurrection, only taking a breather for the angst-ridden semi-ballad of “Can’t Let Go”.
It’s the rippers you’re here for though and as good as “Can’t Let Go” is, it doesn’t hold a candle to Insurrection‘s more blistering moments. Rife with social commentary throughout, “Brexit Wounds” focuses on that particular, all too topical, subject via a bouncy, shout-fest of nu-metal-isms while “Method To My Madness” is a fists-up, mosh-pit monster, all bruising melodies and confrontational lyrics. “Save Me” is the neck-stomping highlight though, a staccato smack in the face which incorporates guttural vocals and anglicised Corey Taylor-esque bellows to whiplash the listener into submission…..and you will submit!
Nu-metal and groove metal are the focal points here – with the work of Corey Taylor and the rest of Slipnot’s masked lunatics providing the majority of inspiration – but STD are definitively and defiantly British, unleashing a gutter-level, street-smart version of the kind of noise us Brits usually expect to emerge from across the Atlantic….which is a relatively pleasant surprise in itself! Its been a while since we’ve had a no-nonsense wrecking ball of a band capable of penning songs with the potential to break out of the underground and Spreading The Disease are that band. It’s no coincidence that with their video for “Greed” already hitting the airwaves via Scuzz, it looks like STD could also have a ‘hit’ on their hands!
Insurrection is a marked improvement on Viral and STD’s huge potential is clear to hear.
This disease is going viral! 8/10
Well this is a bit of an animal to say the least! Insurrection, the debut studio album from Kent based bruisers Spreading The Disease. Formed in 2014 by bassist Steve Saunders, their debut EP Viral showed a lot of promise which has now been fulfilled when the album is released on November 1st 2017.
Opening track ‘Find My Path’ begins with a piercing guitar intro that heads off into juddering grooves. This short, sharp blast of hate is dominated by the lung lining stripping vocals from Connor Russell Snyder. Other highlights are follower ‘Words Unspoken’, a suffocating number as the musical soundscapes threaten to take your breath away. Another Hellish vocal keeps the intensity levels high. The spooky mantra to the six minute rollercoaster ride that is ‘Dischord’ are the calm before the storm as the guitar riffs grind and churn over Steve’s thudding bass lines. Current single ‘Greed’ is a punishing assault that hits as hard as a pub car park fight. It’s a crushing bombast peppered with visceral guitar workouts.
‘Save Me’ has so much going on in it, a few spins are essential to get your head around it’s full on complexity. ‘Whores Of War’, another six minute epic is the most raging track here and is nothing less than a complete gamut of musical and vocal prowess, displaying a monolithic surge of power. ‘Method To My Madness’ is a lurching beast built on a dizzying array of time changes over a cathartic vocal. ‘Can’t Let Go’ is an eerie, goose bump raising, laid back heavy ballad with a heart tugging lead vocal but my album highlight is the caustic ‘Brexit Wounds’. Once again, everything is thrown in as snappy snare work, punchy riffing and a spleen venting vocal delivery lead to the pace picking up midway as the riffs buzz faster and an almost reggae fusion is blown away by one more final burst of rage.
Insurrection will be available for £10 via Motivated Music Co.
Album track listing :-
Find My Path.
Words Unspoken.
Dischord.
Spreading The Disease.
Greed.
Save Me.
Whores Of War.
Method To My Madness.
Can’t Let Go.
Brexit Wounds.
Last Goodbye.
An infectious eleven songs of fury on the debut studio album from Spreading The Disease. ***** stars.
Brash, harsh and in your face are just some of things that come to mind on first listening to the heavy new album by Spreading The Disease. Having built their name up on the underground live circuit on the back of the first release Viral, this new album is a step up and fully encapsulates the energy you’d expect to see live.
There is a grove that flows through their new album, Insurrection, that seems to be missing from a lot of bands nowadays. The Album opens with a short building intro into a full guttural verse that wouldn’t be out of place if Rob Flynn sang it. The rest of the album has an urgency to it like it’s the soundtrack to the end of the world and they want to get it played before the impending doom. A lot of the lyrical content is a comment on the world we have created for ourselves and how human existence is numbered if we carry on the way we are, hence the urgency to the playing and the aggression and attack of the tracks.
There are some tranquil moments to the album which stand to give a breather to the onslaught but they are short lived as the head banging future anthems continue, for me stand out tracks are ‘Can’t Let Go’ just for the guitar solo, ‘Spreading The Disease’ will get your head bobbing so hard and ‘Unspoken Words’.
After listening to Spread The Disease's album ‘Insurrection’ I have to say that not only am I left wanting more, I am also left with a feeling of hope. Hope for the rock n roll genre that is!Throughout the entirety of this amazing album you will receive various mixes of everything your ears have been craving when it comes to killer music. From brutally in-your-face heavy at times all the way down to light and smooth, this album touches every level of metal music, and creates some new ones along the way. Spread The Disease really has a song to fit even the pickiest of metal music lovers. Which they do so easily by creating vivid imagery with raw lyrics, rocking guitar riffs, amazing drum patterns, absolutely intense vocals and an incredible energy that you can feel throughout each and every song. S.T.D is destined for amazing things with the raw ability and incredible talent they possess. There is no doubt that this is definitely the band you want to keep the horns up and your eyes on.
I've also included the logos you requested for promotion. One is transparent and the other includes a background. Thanks again for allowing us to share your music!
FIRST REVIEW FOR "INSURRECTION" ALBUM 2018
Listening to the brand new album Insurrection from Spreading The Disease metal band . I don't normally do any reviews for albums but this one is different. this is heavy as fuck while still being gentle in places and they cross about 20 Metal Genres on this album and sometimes in just 1 song. it blows traditional genre pigeonholing out the window and can be slightly disconcerting until you just go with the flow and get used to it. these guys are breaking down barriers and are hardworking too and this album is well worth a purchase. Maybe one day they will put a Glasgow gig in their busy schedule ;) keep Spreading the Disease !!
REVIEW. Rachel McMurdo (Get Your Rock Out/Weshootmusic)
Spreading the Disease @ Rebellion, Manchester 29/07/2016
Vocalist Adam May introduced his band tonight with the words: “We are Spreading the Disease and we don’t fuck about!” and the hardhitting, uncompromising Dover 5piece certainly lived up to this promise. STD immediately involved the audience, with Adam telling everyone to put their middle finger in the air for opening number ‘F.U.C.K.U.’ which went down a storm. Adam spent most of the set amongst the crowd and standing on the bar with his wireless mic; in fact even the mic breaking partway through didn’t stop him. In his words, “I’ll just have to come at you with a lead!” The moshing was constant and almost everyone in the place came forward to witness this brilliant set. StD have recently released a live video for one of the songs in tonight’s set ‘Evolution’ which gives an idea of what they are like to watch; just add the electric atmosphere of a gig being thoroughly enjoyed by everyone in attendance. Sadly it was lead guitarist Julien Riquelme’s last gig with the band and 2 members of the crowd put him on their shoulders and carried him round the room. Ju provided us with some awesome riffs backed up by rhythm guitarist Martin Osborne who also ended up playing on the bar at one point. Martin also provides backing vocals and occasional dual vocals, and the combination of dirty and clean vocals from the pair give an extra depth and edge to all the songs. The heavy, powerful sound is completed and driven along by the supertalented rhythm section of Edd Saunders on drums and Steve Saunders on bass and backing vocals. It’s no wonder these guys have been getting such great reviews from the likes of Powerplay and Kerrang! They are all massively talented and entertaining with a huge sound, and can certainly draw a crowd and get people up and moshing. STD are surely destined for great things in the future.
SPREADING THE DISEASE - The Über Rock Interview
Written by Lindsey Appleton
Saturday, 21 January 2017 04:00
Spreading The Disease – we don’t need to guess where they took their name from – describe themselves as a “contemporary metal band”. Based in Kent, the band was formed in 2014 by bassist Steve Saunders, who decided that, after five years in The Self-Titled, it was time to move on and do something new.
With 2016 having been a pretty crap year in terms of losing so many iconic rock and metal icons, it was also a traumatic one for STD, with the departure of drummer Edd Saunders (no relation), as I found out when I caught up with Steve and singer Adam May:
"To continue reading, please click the logo to take you to the rest of the interview thank you"
REVIEWS FOR THE VIRAL EP 2016
Review by Sean
Sometimes in life you find yourself in a position where you can’t vent how you actually feel without causing problems. Despite that problem, there are always ways to vent your anger or frustration that don’t involve tearing someones head off. For some its sports, cooking, reading, whatever. For me, its imbibing various things and listening to music.
Sometimes though, music doesn’t need anything else to help it. Sometimes something comes along that lets you get your shit sorted out. This EP is one of those things.
From the get go it’s aggressive, powerful, angry. Wait, not angry… psychopathically homicidal. And it turned out to be JUST what I needed to hear.
I actually didn’t notice much about the EP on the first listen through. I was too busy enjoying it and letting the anger in me flow out through the anger in the music.
‘F.U.C.K.U.’ is the name of the opener, and the message it sends it felt throughout. This is not something you would play to relax to. It’s music you play to distract the neighbours from hearing the chainsaw going through your enemies.
Its only four tracks long, but it’s good for what it is. A short, violent outburst of fury. I fucking loved it.
8/10.
Spreading The Disease singer Adam May takes to the stage with a statement that sets the tone for the rest of their set “We are Spreading The Disease and we don’t fuck about!” What follows proves exactly that – their set is hard and heavy and these guys are really tight.
Despite an eight hour journey battling with holiday season weekend traffic from Dover they sound fresh and give it everything they’ve got. May is all over the floor of the venue, coaxing people forward, although Mancs on a Saturday night don’t need much encouragement to party, and before long there’s definitely one going on down the front.
Guitarist Martin Osbourne is just as energetic, making full use of the wireless, including at one point standing on the bar and ordering a drink, reminding me and my friend of mental Pure Love gigs. Luckily all this is held together by the much more static but no less talented Steve Saunders on bass and Edd Saunders on drums, with lead guitarist Julien Riquelme making his final appearance for the band tonight.
Although they are heavy as there are hooks aplenty, especially ‘Bulldozer’ with its chugging bass line and crazily catchy guitars, and the bouncy ‘Lost Generation’ ensuring the pit never stopped. Their eight song set was over too soon and the crowd were definitely left wanting more.
This was a really cracking set from a band who are unquestionably going places. With impressive reviews for their EP Viral, I don’t think I’m the only one who will be watching closely to see what the future holds for this band.
The are two things that you will never hear Spreading The Disease being described as – the first thing being boring and the second, being tame, as the energy that this band radiates on stage goes way beyond the meaning of intense. I think it’s also fair to say that it would take an exceptionally large stage to contain lead singer Adam May, as once that mic is in his hand he turns into a man on a mission to get as close to the audience as possible and when it comes down to making a connection with people, he definitely scored a big thumbs up at the O2 Academy3 tonight. This bands profile is growing fast so make sure to check them out first chance you get.
Music224.com
2016 has got off to a noisy start thanks to the 5 noise merchants who make up Kent based bruisers Spreading The Disease.
Formed in late 2014 by bass guitarist Steve Saunders with the line up complete within 6 months, a lot of promise is shown on this refreshingly genre defining 4 track debut EP entitled Viral. It will be going viral (pardon the pun) officially on Feb.27th 2016 but is available now from the bands website at http://www.stdband.com/
Opener 'F.U.C.K.U' hurtles along on a headbanging inducing old school thrash metal main riff and the guttural vocal delivery from Adam May is a taster of what is to come.
'Lost Generations' contains another throat ripping onslaught as Adam snarls and roars over Godzilla stomp riffs that are pushed aside by a fizzing lead guitar solo midway.
'Bulldozer' does exactly what the title says with Burn My Eyes era attention grabbing riffs. The menacing vocals raise the intensity levels even higher as an eerie breakdown midway is the calm before the storm turbo charged thrash finish.
4th and final number 'Evolution' is my personal highlight here. Off kilter drums, guitar lines and an eccentric vocal gave me the impression of the brutality of Mushroomhead crossed with the inventiveness of now defunct funk metallers Bullyrag. A strong ending to a raging EP and the band are currently writing for their full length debut album due to be released late spring/summer 2016.
Review by Dennis Jarman.
Considered a contemporary metal act by founding member and bassist Steve Saunders, these guys make it known that they're inspired by acts like Pantera, Stone Sour/Slipknot, Machinehead, Breed 77 and more. You can definitely hear it in the music as well, which certainly comes across with a Nu/Modern vibe and I'm really digging it.Keep in mind, Nu-Metal was the genre that opened the doors for me as a teenager, so I'm still rather partial to it even in my thirties.I still think it had more balls than a lot of other modern evolutions have since then."F.U.C.K.U" begins a record that seems like it also has some Static-X influence in it's riffing, making for a disco-death of which we'll miss greatly from the progenitors. In any case, there are also some rather oblong melodies utilized in the piece at times that hint at greater things to come from the act.These guys are clearly trying to take this sound in a more textured area, as the muscular guitar sections that peek in would seem to denote.The vocal edge is an angered scream, but it works for such a song and I wouldn't change it. Those who can't get it into it simply don't like this kind of music."Lost Generation" comes next with it's pounding bass grooves, along with a very small section that feels like it might have it's place in melodic death metal. There's a clean vocal in the background, but it doesn't seem necessary.Again, the muscular guitar solos in the piece also make it work for me. A lot of bands in this style never had much to offer in that area, but these guys make it count.Surprisingly, the band pull a seven-minute cut out of their asses on "Bulldozer" which seems to bring in that Drowning Pool inspired clean vocal style, which also reminds me of early Mudvayne and Coal Chamber. The track also fucking pounds, which is what most Nu-Metal fans are going to notice right off the bat.This is how I remember the genre and this record so far has reminded me of the very best of the genre.Alternatively, "Bulldozer" reminds me of "Big Truck". The song also contains a slight bit of atmosphere which adorns an awesomely large and powerful solo. It's the quintessential Nu-Metal cut redefined and I love every bit of it.It might sound corny to say, "I'm a bulldozer!" but I'm really feeling it here."Evolution" is where we end, with more of those useless clean vocals (even though they could come in handy if raised a bit higher in the mix) and more down-tuned basses.But I'd simply have it no other way. Some might say this record sounds a little outdated and it is admittedly odd to release a record like this in today's musical climate; but I can honestly say that it is something much different than what everyone else is doing, and that it is done in a much different and more textured fashion than I heard from a vast majority of the acts that spawned this sub-genre.I guarantee that anything you hear on this demo is going to be rougher and heavier than the forthcoming Drowning Pool album, Hellalujah. Haven't even heard it yet, but I can assure you that these guys are going to roll them up and smoke it. Especially considering what I heard from the last one. There's still some work to be done and the experiment is still in it's rough stages, but there's still more than enough meat to chew on.I definitely recommend all remaining Nu-Metal and groove metal fans out there to give Viral a try, because I really enjoyed this performance. Maybe you'll pound your fists to it as well.Review by The Grim Lord.
At a guess I'd say that Kent outfit Spreading The Disease are more about having a laugh with their name (especially when it's abbreviated for their logo) than any kind of Anthrax connection. The music is deadly serious mind you, full of anger and plenty of skull splitting riffs to go with some infectious grooves. Wearing the influences of Pantera, Slipknot and Machine Head firmly on their sleeves STD are an all out assualt on the senses and one that the neighbours might not thank you for blasting out on a lazy Sunday morning.
The fetchingly titled F.U.C.K.U blasts out the speakers with it's Thrash Metal riffs and perhaps musically there might be a tip of the hat to 'Thrax but then Adam May comes in with a deep guttural growl that would blow Joey Belladonna's headdress off into the wind. An aggressive two middle fingers up to anyone who crossed the band, lots of changes in direction throughout and at one point I'm certain that I heard a disco drum-beat ? A brutal four minutes that's for sure.
Lost Generation has a crushing Groove Metal riff slamming away in the background that will induce a hundred Pantera comparisons but then the guitar comes in mid-song for some sweet Thrash Metal with hints of 'For Whom The Bell Tolls'.
Bulldozer is a seven minute behemoth beginning with some clean vocals over a pulsating drum-beat. The song has a real swagger to it but some of the background vocals are a bit off putting and seem other-worldly, if you were listening on headphones you'd swear that some mischievous spirit had just whispered in your ear. There's a great bridge round about the 2.45 mark that displays another aspect to May's vocal talents. The song changes tempo mid song for a trippy interlude before the band come blasting back in with some frantic thrashing.
Evolution ends the EP with a Trad Metal intro, very Judas Priest twin guitar like, before a Nu metal groove takes over. Korn with some balls maybe ? The patterns change constantly as the band change tact on numerous occasions and the acoustic outro is a pleasant surprise.
As debut EP's go this is solid introduction to a band that should tick a lot of boxes for fans of different genres of this thing that we call Metal. Worthy of further investigation on your part most definitely.
For more info on Spreading The Disease including how to purchase 'Viral' then head over to the bands.
Review by Dave Stott.
Spreading The Disease, from Kent, are an interesting Band Of The Day as they're a band in development and with a plan that they're just at the beginnings of working through.
Formed by bassist Steve Saunders at the end of 2014, he set out with a vision for a truly contemporary, modern day metal band capable of drawing influenced from all around. The first person to share his vision was drummer Edd Saunders (and, actually, I don't think they are related!) and they were soon joined by Julien Riquelme on lead guitar. At this point, the band began writing some material but before recording could begin, they recognised the need for a rhythm guitarist and a vocalist.
These posts were filled by Martin Osborne and Adam May respectively, and work began on getting those tracks down. The original aim was to record a couple of singles, but this seems to have expanded into a 4-track EP which was released this week. The purpose of Viral is to gain the band some exposure, create a fan-base and help soften up those ever-selective booking agents in the hope of grabbing some live slots. They're aiming to begin playing shows in February 2016 and have several festivals in their sites as well.
So there's their plan. All well laid out, but you know what they say about the best laid plans... Thankfully there are also exceptions to rules! Virus is a superb introduction to the band with four well-crafted and very heavy numbers.
Opener "F.U.C.K.U." is straight in there after an atmospheric beginning; harsh vocals and simple, crunching rhythms which build to a frenetic conclusion really do give a taste of what's to come. "Lost Generation" starts off with more of a groove feel, slower and heavier than the previous track, but the moshpit-inducing solo really ups the ante.
"Bulldozer" will, I gather, be the first video released from the EP and it's a mammoth seven minutes in length so they're got plenty of scripting to do! It's another heavy-hitter which is very much the theme for Spreading The Disease. Despite being quite lengthy, it never really feels it and that's quite an achievement. It's also the only song where Adam really expands his vocal repertoire with some different styles in there.
Finally, we have "Evolution" which kicks off with probably the best introduction of the four. Brash, bouncy and thunderous it sets up a superb closing track. It's different enough from the first three to really show the band off and genuinely leaves you wanting more. Or, if you catch them live, I'm sure it'll leave you wanting a rest!
Whenever we use the term "groove metal", several bands come to mind: Lamb Of God, Pantera, DevilDriver... and these bands all have one thing in common. They are all American bands. So when a band like Spreading The Disease comes along, who hail from the United Kingdom, and produce a sound reminiscent of American groove metal, you stop and take notice.
Spreading The Disease (or STD for short), claim Kent, UK as their home base and were forged in 2014 by Steve Saunders, ex-bassist of "The Self Titled". The band draws musical inspiration from such well known acts as Pantera, Slipknot, Machine Head, Kill Or Be Killed, and more. With catchy guitar riffs, blistering vocals, and thunderous drum beats, STD cranks out a sound that instills passion and intensity. Listening to the 4 track EP offers up a great listening experience, and leaves you with the desire to not only hear more songs, but also to witness a live performance.
"Bulldozer" is the first track that literally "fires up" the EP, with a tractor engine being started prior to the groovy riffs kicking in.
After that comes "Evolution", a bit of a faster, thrashier track that is sure to provoke fierce headbanging and aggressive moshing during live shows.
The third track is called "F.U.C.K.U", a straight kick to the throat to the haters. Fast, aggressive, intense, and passionate are just some of the words I'd use to describe the general vibe of Spreading The Disease. They definitely have a "no bullshit" attitude that filters over through their sound and lyrical content.
The last song on the Viral EP is "Lost Generation", a track that reflects a heavy Pantera groove. It stands out as my favorite song on the EP.
Overall, Spreading The Disease have put out a very solid debut EP that is sure to bring them a lot of fans craving for more. They are planning to start touring this month, so if you're in the UK be sure to check them out on their Facebook page to stay up to date on where they'll be playing. You can also get you're copy of the Viral EP on their official website, where any and all news related to the band is also available. This band has shown me that the groove machine is not just limited to American soil, and that STD is certainly a virus that is worth catching!
Review by Jesse James.
The UK's Spreading The Disease look intent on spreading their filthy groove metal far and wide if their internet presence is anything to go by. Proudly pushing and selflessly promoting each and every element of the UK metal underground scene -- from bands, to webzines, to online radio, to festivals and everything else in between -- these guys are true ambassadors for working hard and embracing the community we are all a part of.
Well, now it's our turn to give back and promote their latest release, the Virus EP, that proves the Americans aren't the only ones to have this groove metal lark sewn up!
The song titles speak for themselves; "F.U.C.K.U.", "Bulldozer", "Lost Generation", "Evolution". This is aggressive groove metal, amped up with enough nihilistic brutality to lead an army to war and paints Spreading The Disease as a potential force to be reckoned with. With elements of the obvious Pantera present, influences appear to also extend to the underrated Pissing Razors, the might of classic Slipknot and the rhythmic interplay of Devildriver. Strong comparisons to live up to but there's enough brain-stomping grooves, heavy-ass riffs and throat-thrashing vocals to warrant the connections.
"F.U.C.K.U." -- who doesn't love a song title that's get straight to the bullish point -- is the call to arms that should see Spreading The Disease crawling into the heart valves of the disaffected and the disavowed. A song so intensely and imperiously angry that you can feel the hateful spit and bile hitting you full on in the face with each and every scream; it's a cathartic experience and then some!
On the flip-side, if we are to truly critique Virus, it's the Jeff Loomis-esque warbled backing vocals that prove a minor irritation, they're neither offensive or badly delivered just not really necessary. This band work best when they are going straight for the throat -- which they do a lot -- but the 'melodic' vocal layering feels trite. That said, the gravel-ravaged singing that opens the exceptional "Bulldozer" fits like a glove, it's just those backing vocals that detract from the excessively aggressive power otherwise generated.
Overall, Virus is an impressive EP and in the words of the band themselves; "if you want heavy, you got it!". We want it and we want more of it!
7/10
Review by Chris Jennings.
Spreading The Disease is the creation of Steve Saunders, ex-bassist of heavy rock band, The Self Titled.
This powerhouse of metal was established in late 2014 and hails from Kent, England, UK to bring a contemporary and modern metal sound with amazing riffs, hooks and licks, while containing a multi layered groove that will slam you like a runaway freight train into oblivion!. Having spent five fantastic years rocking with The Self Titled, Steve decided to part ways and create a band that allowed for a different approach to both band policy and creativeness. Steve set off in pursuit of recruiting fellow band members to establish the band he had envisioned and through sheer good luck, through a mutual friend, met Edd Saunders, who immediately offered his drumming services and with him being a very versatile and experienced musician, fitted the writing style perfectly.
Working with the band pretty much from the start, guitarist Julien Riquelme made it clear that he wanted to be lead guitarist from the off, and with good reason. Julien brings his crazy exotic scales and twisted harmonies to the fore and shows that he has a knack for creating riffs and flair to make the songs complete and stand out giving them that essence of "Je ne sais quoi!".
Writing began approximately 10 months ago which developed into some very original tracks with widespread influences ranging from - Pantera, Kill Or Be Killed and Stone Sour to Slipknot, Machinehead, Breed 77 and many more.
Needing a rhythm guitarist to enhance the sound and allow Julien to explore further, the band recruited Martin Osborne, who had been working with Steve for a few months elsewhere. Having only joined a couple of months ago, Martin has become an integral part of the band and song writing team with his fresh, slick ideas that have added even more heaviness and groove to the bands music while sharing some vocal duties.
Finally, after much persistence, searching and auditioning, the final link to the machine was found in the form of Adam May. Looking for a singer with a voice full of rage and anger with that no nonsense, balls out attitude to tear your heads off, Adam more than makes the grade with his presence and aggression!.
Aiming to perform live from February 2016, when the album will be launched officially and supported by a music video that the band have just finished recording, the band will also be recording their full length album and video around late spring / summer 2016 while endeavouring to play as many venues and festivals as possible. The official EP launch will take place at The Harp Restrung in Folkestone, Kent, 27th February 2016 so let's check out 'Viral' and see how it rocks!.
Spreading The Disease is:
Steve Saunders - Bass,
Edd Saunders - Drums,
Julien Riquelme - Lead Guitar,
Martin Osborne - Rhythm Guitar,
Adam May - Vocals.
F.U.C.K.U. - Opening with a malevolent eeriness that wanders around the headphones, this track soon comes swaggering in with a wicked hook on the guitar that ignites the rhythm section into an explosive, antagonistic stomp around grind that will set the pit off into a right frenzy. As Adam's growling vocals attack you with their ferocity, you can't help but get swept up into this tracks wicked aggression and blistering pace. Angry, antagonistic and savage with brutal vocals, deep grinding rhythms and some seriously explosive fretwork, this really does put an evil smile on your face to embrace your inner metal head and tear it up!.
Lost Generation - This a formidable stomp around track that antagonistically saunters up to you and sticks its middle finger in your face. With its anarchic vocal tones and aggressive stance, this one struts its stuff and brings its defiance with its glorious rhythmic bounce before going hell for leather with a tempo change at the bridge to bring some epically savage riff work and rhythm grind. One that will definitely get you brooding and windmilling like a metal head possessed!.
Bulldozer - As the engine fires up and the caterpillar tracks roll, this erupts with a wickedly addictive guitar hook and an authoritative rhythm section that instantly brings the heavy attitude. This really does roll like a powerhouse that will devastate and take no prisoners!. With its grinding, low end rhythmic chug on the guitars accompanied by wails and frenetic licks, this seriously does move you along like some possessed heavy duty machinery!. The breakdown at the bridge is sublime and brings some welcome respite from the savage brutality as the track settles into quiet before the bass emerges to dominate with its rhythmic presence alongside cymbal fills before it all erupts into a tumultuous fury of riff shredding, epic beats and total aggression once again. Growling vocals, serious attitude and savage rhythms all culminate into this epic rock colossus that will melt your face and leave that pit destroyed!. Not too sure of some of the backing vocals in places in this track though as they seem to detract from the aggressive stance that this track is trying to establish but in all, this is a 7 minute behemoth that will tear you a new one!.
Evolution - Instantly kicking its heels and throwing its weight around, this emerges with its authoritative stance before settling slightly into a reflective phase alongside acoustic guitars and sublime bass hooks before the guitar grind fires up and the screaming vocals emerge to set this track off into an explosive stomp around maelstrom. As the track ebbs and flows between reflective lyrics and acoustics to feral, screaming vocals alongside a wicked rhythmic grind, you cannot help but get swept along with this epic tracks presence that will have you both foot tapping and circling that mosh pit like a possessed badass!. Anthemic, angry and here to kick your ass!. Epic!.
Spreading The Disease have produced some seriously savage metal here with their debut EP Viral. This EP contains some of the most addictively sublime metal I've heard in a long time, a powerhouse of grinding ferociousness that steamrollers over everything yet leaves you feeling energised with the wickedest of grins on your face. The production quality is fantastic in the headphones with everything balanced beautifully with the levels all mixed to perfection. Some of the backing vocals didn't really work for me in Bulldozer but added some pure quality and enhancement in the other tracks. The sheer brutality in the low end rhythmic grind and explosive fretwork that is contained in this EP will please the majority out there, especially those into Pantera, Lamb Of God, Devildriver, Arch Enemy and Trivium so check out Spreading The Disease as this is ferocious metal at its best!.
Having teased and indeed savaged ears with their first single Bulldozer recently, British metallers Spreading The Disease reveal more of their crushing sound and intensive potential with debut EP Viral.
Consisting of four anthemically vicious and belligerently compelling slabs of raw rock 'n' roll, the release is a rousing protagonist. It comes littered with crucial grooves, predatory rhythms, and an enterprise which is as in the face hungry as the intensity fuelling each conflict within.
It is early days for Spreading The Disease but the suggestion posed by Viral is that the UK has another ferocious and invigorating adventure brewing within its metal/heavy rock landscape.
Formed late 2014 by Steve Saunders, the former bassist of The Self Titled who approached his new endeavour with the intent to allow "a different approach to both band policy and creativeness", the Kent based Spreading The Disease quickly expanded its line-up with drummer Edd Saunders.
In relatively short time lead guitarist Julien Riquelme, rhythm guitarist Martin Osborne, and vocalist Adam May were completing the band's personnel with a handful of songs soon emerging.
Inspirations to their sound include the likes of Pantera, Kill or Be Killed, and Stone Sour through to Slipknot, Machine Head, and Breed 77, essences audible in the unbridled fury of first single Bulldozer.
Now it is Viral poised to emulate its success with a potency which pretty much is what it says on the tin, offering an invasive and sweeping brutally with the potential to stir up the national metal scene.
F.U.C.K.U. roars through ears first, the EP opener emerging from a percussive ring of an invitation to intrude upon and stir up the senses. An initial riff is the coaxing prelude to a predatory stroll of irritable riffs and punchy rhythms swiftly bound in just as magnetic and tetchy grooves. The energy and attack of the track enjoyably ebbs and flows without ever leaving the listener void of an incentive to respond in kind to its anthemic provocation whilst the imagination gets entangled in the magnetic craft of Riquelme and Osborne. With the raw at times vitriolic squalls of May's vocals loaded in unbridled rage and emotion, the track is a thunderous incitement and impressive start to the encounter.
Lost Generation is a matching exploit in songwriting and volatile invention, it too with a reserved entrance which soon builds into a formidable and cantankerously imposing canter. The song never quite reaches the viciousness of its predecessor but certainly emulates its success in sound and creative tenacity. More diversity to the vocals courts unpredictable and gripping twists and turns within the metal meets heavy rock 'n' roll powder keg whilst grooves spawned just infect the psyche with their virulent toxicity. With rhythms battering and provoking with similar potency the track is the kind of weighty rock 'n' roll instincts get greed over.
Bulldozer comes next and gets straight to the aggressive point as the bearish tones of May skirt the senses within a sinew driven onslaught of sound. It is an intrusion soon veined by classic metal enterprise though, that fiery sonic tempering to the brutality around it shaping the fluid fusion of calmer if still volatile moments within the bestial and contagious tempest. With a fierce climax to take on the world with, the track forcibly reminds why as that first introduction to the band, it impressed and sparked strong anticipation for Viral. Fair to say it still ensures thick satisfaction and the need to make a physical involvement with each and every listen but the fact that it is put in the shade a touch by the other tracks shows the strength and depth to the Spreading The Disease creative infection coursing through its companions on the EP.
Evolution brings the release to a storming close. From its first rigorous step, the track is a full-on infestation of riffs and hefty beats which is unafraid to build on its quick and bruising contagion by either spinning melodic meanders of peace or casting almost schizophrenic brawls of sonic imagination. The most exploratory song on the EP with an exotic hue to its melodic suggestiveness, the track does not neglect the band's ability to create rancorous and debilitating ferocity neither, it all led by the great mix of throat scarring vocals and the ever primal and enticing bass of Saunders.
The track is a hellacious treat to end an excellent fuller glimpse at Spreading The Disease and their developing sound.
As impressive as it is, Viral also suggests it is early days with much bigger bolder trespasses waiting to be nurtured and uncaged as the band evolves. With more of the same equally as palatable to anticipation, Spreading The Disease is looking like being another British brute equipped to breach the broadest spotlights ahead.
Review by Pete RingMaster.
I was a little apprehensive about reviewing this E.P by Spreading The Disease as its not really my kind of music vocally but soon fell for its excellent execution and raw energy.
These guys can really play and have some pretty impressive song writing skills too.
F.U.C.K.U
Huge opening on the back of a Pink Floyd esque intro, The drums are huge and pounding and preceded by a swell of chug and anger, also the opening line of "you I'm sick and tired of you" is spat with enough venom to carry the weight of the title.
There are no punches pulled here and the song pretty much seems to say "if you don't like me then you can fuck right off!" Some fantastic switches and changes towards the end to make for a great outro.
This is probably my favourite track and I highly recommend listening to it if you have something to break or smash.
Lost Generations
OK this intro has me thinking Pantera of something akin to it, another anger filled romp with a real face melter of a solo but sadly lacking some of the flair and craft of its siblings.
Bulldozer
Kicking in with a riff worth of starting any song with both guitars complimenting each other perfectly before dropping swiftly into a more laid back djent(ish) sound, bulldozer flits effortlessly between raw power and spacious ambience throughout. With the vocals swinging from screamo to menacing roar with the same ease.
It is here we are introduced to a quirky almost operatic backing vocals that would seem at home on an Unexpect song.
Evolution
Opening with a swift smack in the mouth followed by a drop into a gloriously hypnotic bass with a jangly guitar layered with a reverb soaked croaky spoken vocal makes for a very cool opening.
The band really go on to showcase their solid musicianship and excellent songcraft, effortlessly slipping again between all out aural assault and ambient spaces.
Some of the changes are as smooth as a roller-coasters arises and some harsh and angular like being thrown down a flight of concrete steps but all working brilliantly.
To summarise this E.P. Grew and grew on me and is for the most part very well written and preformed to a hight standard. I am not completely sold on the vocals and struggled a bit with the almost tongue in cheek backing lines, but that is just personal taste!
Musically brilliant. 7/10
Review by Gav The Omega Era.
Brand-new metal, breaking new ground-from across the pond. Spreading The Disease from Kent -UK have released their debut EP ' heavy-metal calling card ' into the big ring. Showcasing a dynamic four track offering, of what these guys are capable of creating. A relatively newer band founded by Steve Saunders (bass) in 2014 along with Edd Saunders (drums) Julien Riquelme (lead guitars) Martin Osborne (rhythm guitars) and Adam May (vocals) delivering a bare knuckles assault of heavy f*cking metal.
With the flare of Nine Inch Nails and a Pantera groove "F.U.C.K.U" rumbles out of the gate with a rage of a mad bull. Cool John 5 like boogie hammer ons accentuate this number with Adam May's over-the-top aggressive vocals leading the charge. Horns high fist pumping adrenaline induced sensory overload, epic.
"Lost Generation" starts off like a sick GnR track then drops within the death metal realms conjuring up the black metal gods with this midtempo- venom screaming-punkish rebellion with a gnarly groove. Great rhythm and straightforward fun, a real foot stomper!
Brash and brazen "Bulldozer" crushes; with an Arabica swagger incorporating a rich deep tuning with stupendous peaks and valleys regarding tempo. Bombastic drum arrangements and haunting lead riffs weave perfectly with the killer rhythm wall of sound. A metal core thrash blackened death pit of madness, definitely my favorite track on this EP!
"Evolution" the last track on this EP is the word to describe Spreading The Disease. Their music is new to the scene, yet drawing upon older and wiser musical genres from years past (and present) that sound reinvigorated and renewed through their musicianship. Melodic bass with sharp edged guitar hooks will grab you in while Adam May mesmerizes your cranium with some very catchy storylines that kick ass.
I'm really glad that I've had the opportunity to review this EP having never heard of this band before and after listening to the contents of this EP think Spreading The Disease will be a band that you will want to keep on your radar support and hear more music for years to come.
I think every track on this EP will result in a broken neck (4/4) that's damn near a TEN!
Review by Reckless Ron.
Spreading The Disease is a contemporary extreme metal band based out of Dover, in Kent.
Conceived in 2014 by bassist Steve Saunders, the members of the band were carefully chosen to create the quintet's aggressive yet melodic sound.
The first implement of destruction came in the form of drummer Edd Saunders (no relation -- at least not one they'll admit to).
The Saunders rhythm section cements the foundation for the band's wrecking ball attack.
The duo tapped guitarists Julien Riquelme and Martin Osborne next.
The latter laying down the driving riffs for the former's fret pyrotechnics.
The final piece of the puzzle came in the form of frontman Adam May, whose brutal vocal raging sets the tone for the signature Spreading the Disease attitude.
Spreading the Disease tap into a myriad of influences, but seem to hit most heavily into the groove-driven style of band's like Pantera, Sepultura, Killer Be Killed, Machine Head, and even some Slipknot flavors.
This month, Spreading the Disease has unleashed its debut EP, Viral, which contains four blistering tracks of balefully propulsive metal.
From the cranium-crushing opener, "Bulldozer", to the brooding menace of the closer, "Lost Generation", Viral hits like a sledgehammer.
Whether it's the chugging neck-snapper, "Evolution" or the full-frontal ferocity of "F.U.C.K.U.", each track pulses with its own punishing aggression.
The EP is packed with fantastic riffs, spiraling leads, and no shortage of beastly stick work.
May's caustic vocal delivery balances the fine line between well-executed enunciation and guttural chaos.
While each track on Viral plays well with the others, each has its own dynamic sense of purpose: There is continuity without the repetitious monotony so many new bands fall victim to.
Spreading the Disease has forgone putting its best foot forward, choosing instead to kick down the door and step on your throat.
Viral represents a solid and promising opening salvo.
Review by Rustyn Rose.
When bands simply call their music 'metal' I usually get a bit wary. What does this mean? What are you trying to say? Couldn't you decide on a sub genre and just threw some different styles together hoping to create something coherent? Or maybe even incoherent and saying it's art. But, as always we give everything a go and everybody gets the benefit of the doubt.
Spreading the Disease from Kent, UK, have just released their debut EP Viral and as mentioned before their style is a bit hard to define. It's like mixing bands like Slipknot, Machine Head, Pantera and maybe some hardcore or metalcore bands together. The result is pretty surprising. I was worried that the music would be some sort of lame mix of nu metal and crapcore, but it's actually pretty catchy and inventive...eh...well...metal.
The vocals are pretty harsh and for me that's a pretty important ingredient. There are also clean vocals, but the only reason they work is because the harsh vocals balance everything out. Kinda the same way Slipknot does... The biggest difference between Spreading the Disease and Pantera is that StD (huh huh) doesn't feel the need to fuck a song up when they've reached the middle of it. Something that bothers the hell out of me when I'm listening to Pantera. A song would start off great and after a minute or two they thought of something fancy and the song's ruined in my opinion. The difference between StD and Slipknot is that StD doesn't feel the need the overcomplicate things by using extra samples and stuff just to sound interesting. Sometimes less is more and these guys apparently got that!
75/100 Arjan
Spreading the disease:"Viral"CD February 2016. UK Metal band.
Steve Sanders ex The Self Titled decided to create another band. It is a new direction and closer to the late bands that will reach more kids.
Different music different approach, with an artistic cover that shows desolation in this world. SO as such the music as some heavy Thrashy parts with raw distorted voice mixed with a melodic one.
Whatever it is Pantera, Breed 77, Slipknot...they are creating massive and explosive tunes to kick your butt.
It's not for everyone though and old Metalheads might not like all of the songs, but they will enjoy at least some.
It's definitively a band that will blow live so wait for a punch straight in your face in less than a month!
95/100
Introducing 'Viral', the debut EP from Spreading The Disease. Formed in May 2014 in Kent, influences include: Pantera, Stone Sour, Slipknot, Machine Head, Breed 77 etc. Debut album expected early 2016.
F.U.C.K.U. -- Cue creepy tunnel-like acoustics, followed by aggressive drum beats and air rending screamo growls to leave you in no doubt as to the anger behind the lyrics embodied within the track title. Great energy and real truth.
Lost Generation -- Very Skreameresque, this one. Steady rhythm, plenty of edgy riffs, providing some nice melody inside the blatantly apoplectic rage and fading out on an equally decent riff.
Bulldozer -- Crash! Banging, crunching intro; heavy, hard, groove and riff filled piece of metal, combining stoner, blues, melodic and screamo styles, to create something altogether different, but clearly noticeable. It stands out a mile. As was once said re: Led Zep's 'Black Dog', "love it or hate it, but you will not ignore it". Chugging riffage just after the mid-section, raging angry screams and growls, thundering drum rolls and precisely directed bass licks combine to make this a track to remember. At 6 mins, 56 secs, there's plenty of time to get right into it. Aggressive, loud and hard-hitting; finishing with the sound of a bulldozer doing its work. Couldn't be more apt. Reach for the throat lozenges, cos you're gonna need them after this.
Evolution -- Different gentler vocal style initially used in the intro, before seguing back into familiar growly territory, with matching dark riffs and heavy drum work; injecting some gorgeous melody intermittently and again at the end. Closing with a lovely acoustic riff and whispered vocal. One thing that can certainly be said for this is that it does variety well.
Overall: Killer metal, without a hint of convention. This stands on its own and hold its ground well. Variety, versatility and intrigue aplenty; this little gem of individuality is proof of what can be created from a mish- mash of styles which refuses to conform. I like that.
9/10 for sheer wow effect *********
For fans of screamo/growly/dark stoner/sludge/death/melo-death, especially Skreamer.
To kick off, I have the debut EP 'Viral' from Modern Groove Metal band Spreading The Disease.
'STD' were put together just under a year ago by ex The Self Titled bass player Steve Saunders (a nicer man you couldn't wish to meet) and since then he has been writing and scouring the four corners of the known universe to find the right people to join him. I loved Steve's previous band so was always going to be very keen to hear what he had up his sleeve next and with the lineup and four tracks now completed 'STD' are releasing 'Viral' to an unsuspecting public!
When you play this for the first time one word will come to mind 'ANGRY'.From the opening brief, eerie fade in, which reminded me of something from The Evil Dead to the final notes of 'Evolution' Spreading The Disease sound incredibly pissed off.
If that doesn't happen then reading the title of opener 'F.U.C.K.U.' should give you a similar impression!
Sounding like a mix between Pissing Razors, Cavalera Conspiracy, Pantera, a little Def Con One and the old school mix of Venom, Warfare and early Voivod 'STD' have released a very satisfying and thunderously heavy debut, although it has taken a few listens to grow on me!
Joining Steve are drummer Edd Saunders and rhythm guitarist Martin Osborne.
Together the three of them make a formidable rhythm team and that allows lead guitarist Julien Riquelme to make best use of his talents.
Personally, Riquelme's style is somewhere in the ball park of Voivod's Denis 'Piggy' D'Amour and Dimebag Darrell in that everything he plays and experiments with, including solos, is off the wall without making the song sound disjointed.
It's this style and obvious talent that makes STD's music stand out.
That leaves the vocals of Adam May and this is the one area that has left me a tiny bit underwhelmed. If you like screamed vocals then May is certainly not bad, but I've always liked my screamers to come with a bit of variety in delivery and, at full blast, he is more of an angry, one volume shouter.
For the aforementioned 'Evolution' it works perfectly but after four tracks I want him to diversify slightly! Please understand though that this is just a personal preference rather than a major fault and I'm sure there will be loads of you out there who love him!
To sum up 'Viral is certainly an impressive debut and rather than being an irritating, itchy and downright painful experience this is one 'STD' I'm welcoming with open arms!
Review By Rick Tilley.
Spreading The Disease hail from Kent and the five piece consist of Adam May (vocals), Julien Riquelme (lead guitar), Martin Osborne (vocals/rhytmn guitar), Steve Saunders (bass) and Edd Saunders (drums). This is the band's debut EP ahead of a full album due later this year and boy is it brutal metal!
The band's name of course name check's a classic Anthrax album and herein lies part of the band's influence/sound, that riff heavy thrash metal beloved of Anthrax and Megadeth. Added to that are the growling vocals of Adam May, hints of Slipknot, Machine Head and Fear Factory as the band uses hints here and there of electronic sampling as you can hear on 'Evolution' and 'Lost Generation'. The latter song has a seriously OTT guitar solo!
With a song named 'Bulldozer' you know it is going to level all before it and this song does. It clocks in at over seven minutes and has an Iron Maiden approved quiet mid-section, before those vocals and super fast guitar solos hit you again. At the other extreme of song length, the in your face 'F.U.C.K.U' is over and done with in just over four minutes, not overly taken with this one.
They have already picked up a 4 star review from 'Kerrang!' for this EP and they show plenty of promise. One for lovers of brutal, in your face metal. ****
Review by Jason Ritchie.
Despite the very obvious and humorous abbreviation of this bands name, there is nothing funny about STD's first EP. Spreading The Disease have introduced themselves to the metal world with heavy riffs, punchy songs and the right kind of attitude.
Kicking off with 'Bulldozer' the tone is set for what seems to be the making of a good metal album. Heavy guitars, the right balance of growling leads you into that deep, dark place inside where only metal resides.
'Evolution' (Track 2) is catchier and has a bit more of a mainstream feel to it.
However, 'F.U.C.K.U' is by far my favourite. The guitars on the intro grabbed me straight away. It's also refreshing to say I understood every word that was screamed in my direction.
That's a rarity for me within the Metal world.
Overall, this is a well thought-out EP and builds to a great crescendo with final track 'Lost Generation'.
One of the things that really stood out for me with this EP is that the sound is ever evolving. You really couldn't pigeon hole these guys as they seem to have taken various aspects of what they like and have thrown it into a metal melting pot. Thus creating an end product that can and does appeal to a wider audience.
4/5
Review by Natalie Conway.
Spreading The Disease are a metal band out of the UK that consists of Steve Saunders on bass, Edd Saunders on drums, Julien Riquelme on lead guitar, Martin Osborne on rhythm guitar and Adam May on vocals.
The band brings grit, raw emotion and incredible riffs to their music. Today I get the chance to review their EP cleverly titled "Viral".
1.F.U.C.K.U. is the first track, and it's starting off the EP with pure raw emotion to those who have screwed you over and retaliating with pure rage and anger that gets all up in your face to repeat the letters of the song's name. You wouldn't like these guys when they're angry!
2.Lost Generation keeps the head banging going with a track that rallies the troops together in realization of what the title is all about. Definitely one of those tracks that make you want to raise your fist in the air in unison while sticking it to the man!
3.Bulldozer is my favorite track of the EP, the riffs and lyrics are amazing. There is also a music video that accompanies the track that touches on the subject of getting built up just be torn down like a "Bulldozer"
4.Evolution is the last track on the EP, and at parts showcase the badasery of the rhythm of the drums and bass which I greatly enjoy. The song touches on the subject of how one evolves based on personal experiences.
I greatly enjoyed the EP and I encourage you to check the band out at the links below, and their music video below as well for "Bulldozer".
I give the EP an 8/10 Great job guys!
When Steve Saunders approached me via Facebook to do a review of his band's debut EP, I didn't really know what to expect so I plugged my headphones into my Samsung android phone and pressed play.
The creation of Steve, formerly bassist from The Self Titled, Spreading The Disease, a contemporary metal band, were formed in late 2014 and hail from Kent in the United Kingdom.
Released on February 27th 2016, their four track EP, Viral, is a mix of aggressive riffs and amazing hooks and licks, blended together with both dirty and clean vocals to produce a sound that is quite unique.
The opening track F.U.C.K.U., a song packed full of hostility, is a direct middle finger for the listener to anyone who has ever pissed them off, giving them a no bullshit attitude right from the start.
High energetic drumming from Edd Saunders, and heavy riffs from lead guitarist Julien Riquelme are prevalent throughout the EP, with rhythm guitar being provided by Martin Osborne and Steve on bass creating the overall balls to the wall sound.
The stand out song for me was the last track Evolution, vocalist Adam May showing his ability to swap between dirty vocals and clean, fast riffs interspersed with more melodic sounds.
Drawing on influences such as Pantera, Machinehead and Devildriver, this is an English band with an American attitude, and a heavy fucking metal sound.
Spreading The Disease may only have been around for a relatively short period of time, but judging by the impact the EP has on the listener and their extensive internet presence I would say these guys are around to stay.
7/10
Review by The-Metal Priestess.
The debut offering from Kent quintet Spreading the Disease opens with 'F.U.C.K.U.'- a track which is as no-nonsense and straight to the point as the name would suggest. With dirty riffs to match the dirty vocals this is thrash as it's meant to be, combining dischords, heavy beats and screams.
2nd track 'Lost Generation' has echoes of Pantera and is again heavy and filthy with rip-your-head-off riffs and roars. Some outstanding guitar work again from Julien Riquelme (lead), Martin Osborne (rhythm) and founding member Steve Saunders on bass and special mention should go to Julien's superb solo in the mid-section.
'Bulldozer' starts and ends with the sound of a bulldozer firing up and features clean vocals from Adam May which show his range and prove he can do more than the rage-filled screams and roars that he does so well. There's a prog-style breakdown in the middle which gives this song a lot of depth and makes it stand out from the others.
Closer 'Evolution' is straight in there with a brutal riff and more powerful drums as featured throughout the EP courtesy of drummer Edd Saunders. There's a lot going on in this track with clean backing vocals layered over the dirty lead vocals and again a kind of heavy prog vibe running through it. Again reminiscent in a way of Pantera who the band cite as an influence but in no way copycat.
Spreading the Disease are bound to make their mark with this superb attitude-filled debut. Any true metal fan should be checking this one out!
Review by Rachel McMurdo.
Kent based metaller's Spreading The Disease have unleashed their debut four track e.p Viral -- a brutal, uncompromising slab of metal in the vein of Pantera and Machine Head, but with their own sick twist coupled with a punishing delivery.
Opening track F.U.C.K.U is a full on assault of bile and aggression -- as the title would suggest. Vocalist Adam May is a force to be reckoned with, delivering each word without restraint and sparing no mercy. The guitars and drums deliver a menacing groove with catchy riffs and a deft use of contrasting guitar parts in the verse sections.
Lost Generation maintains the momentum with its syncopated groove and abrasive dissonant chords in the verse riff, and features some aggressive lead guitar work, with an unorthodox tone during the solo's that drawers the listener in.
Bulldozer encompasses many interesting elements and is as pounding as the name suggests. From the cleaner vocals in the intro, to the almost updated nu-metal groove that drives the song along this song reveals a glimpse of what is to come from this band. Around two thirds of the way through there is a clean section that builds back up with another aggressive solo from lead guitarist Julien Riquelme. This guy certainly doesn't pussyfoot around the fretboard.
Closing track Evolution is reminiscent of Coal Chamber for a brief moment in the verses; but again the blend of elements creates a fresh, inspiring sound and the chorus manages to blend melody with brutality with ease, (if the twain are allowed to exist alongside each other.)
This is a very solid e.p that reveals many glimpses into what this band is capable of achieving in the UK metal scene, and although the band take their cues from some of Metal's biggest heavyweights they are certainly carving their own sound, with a brutal delivery that takes aggression to a whole new level
4/5
Review by Ian Guest.
I am totally digging this EP by Spreading the Disease, the young metal madmen from across the big pond in Kent, England.
Even though it is only a four-song release, Viral crams a whole shitload of riffs, screams, beats, anger and angst into it's short running time.
This must explain why I've just been leaving it on repeat and letting it loop over and over again. It is that fucking good.
These strapping young lads wear their influences on their sleeves proudly.
It is quite evident on tracks like 'F.U.C.K.U.' and 'Bulldozer' that they have spent their formative years listening to some powerful and definitive metal bands.
They have taken what they learned and made it their own. I can honestly say that after this taste of Spreading the Disease,
I will anxiously await a visit to the United States to tour and a full album release.
4/5
Review by King Rhino.
The new band of ex-Self Titled bassist Steve Saunders this debut EP explodes into action from the off!
For a 7 minute song, opener 'Bulldozer' is quite an adventure packed full of Adam May's angry vocals & some intricate melodies around the thrashing riffs intertwined with some almost grunge riffs & cleaner vocals. The middle section chills out & gives both Steve & drummer Edd Saunders a chance to allow us to take a moment before it smashes back into life.
Some old school thrash shredding never goes amiss either!
Next is 'Evolution' with some more off kilter lead stuff & Adam's almost rapping over it makes for an intriguing if not always easy listen. The backing vocals here confuse too with an almost dirty rock & roll feel to them -- once we hit the solo & back into the song I can imagine this being a great live singalong/pitalong.
The wonderfully titled 'F.U.C.K.U.' carries an old school thrash feel with some angry words leading into an angry chorus taking the full stops out of the title. Easy to imagine this live when the beer & the pit are in full flow & another solo reminiscent of someone like Gang Green rather than Exodus taking me back a few years!
Closer 'Lost Generation' has a wonderful bluesy intro & is probably my tune of the EP with a wonderful groove that will almost certainly have body parts moving in all the best ways (it did for me, anyway)
For a debut EP this is a solid start -- a slightly muddy production didn't help my enjoyment but the variations in songs & the heavy tone more than made up for it.
Recommended for fans of the older school thrash/hc/punk sound. Steve & the band are hardworking advocates of our scene & have plenty of gigs & festival appearances lined up over the coming months.
I look forward to catching them live.
3/5
Review by Phil Bruce.
Well, I had an opportunity to review this band from an amazing guy called 'Steve Saunders'. Steve's brain child Spreading the Disease is right around the corner with launch of their debut EP titled as 'Viral'.
The 5 member band punches right through your face with their fine work.
The EP consists of 4 tracks dealing with varied emotions and influences.
With some heavy-ground shaking riffs and breakdowns, there are occasional atmospheric fills. An essence of Slipknot and Pantera can be felt here along with the clean vocals.
The riffs are groovy and the tone produced is really commendable. Quite amazing!
The work can be noted by Julien Riquelme who has undertaken lead guitar duties for the band. Lightning fast solos combined with melodic fills fits in real perfect.
F.U.C.K.U. is one of the quite interesting songs of the EP. The drums are good and pumping.
I wished the band had something more to offer. I'd say, if Dimebag was alive and checked out this band, he'd be pretty impressed I guess.
Overall, the EP has very decent level of production and mix. Full length album is something I would be definitely looking forward to.
Rating - 75%
Reviewed by Mahesh Patil
I have been hearing a lot about this band recently across the scene and was always intrigued into what they'd sound like but never got the time to actually check them out.
After listening to the EP a few times I can definitely say they'd be a band that you'd want to watch live.
First track titled 'F.U.C.K.U' is the most eerie start which makes me think that it may actually be quite a slow song but it builds up into a hard hitting and a smack clean in your face kind of song with quite a lot of melody with it.
Second track titled 'Lost Generation' is your typical straight up hard hitting metal track with the very subtle kind of thrashy guitars and drums that make this song a winner in my eyes. The hardcore styled shouty vocals over the slow guitaring makes the song build a bit more of an atmosphere to it.
Third track titled 'Bulldozer' has the car engine start Building atmosphere all the way. The clean vocals kick in and was actually quite a surprise but a very pleasant one at that for me.
Fourth track titled 'Evolution' really just kicks in with a punchy guitar riff and pounding double bass which may not be fast but really compliments well with the guitar riffs. Then a bass riff with some very subtle but eerie clean vocals. then a shred which makes the drop hit you hard with the vocals, there is a certain guitar riff in the back of the punchy chugs which really makes this song a killer for me.
7/10
Considered a contemporary metal act by founding member and bassist Steve Saunders, these guys make it known that they're inspired by acts like Pantera, Stone Sour/Slipknot, Machinehead, Breed 77 and more. You can definitely hear it in the music as well, which certainly comes across with a Nu/Modern vibe and I'm really digging it.Keep in mind, Nu-Metal was the genre that opened the doors for me as a teenager, so I'm still rather partial to it even in my thirties.I still think it had more balls than a lot of other modern evolutions have since then."F.U.C.K.U" begins a record that seems like it also has some Static-X influence in it's riffing, making for a disco-death of which we'll miss greatly from the progenitors. In any case, there are also some rather oblong melodies utilized in the piece at times that hint at greater things to come from the act.These guys are clearly trying to take this sound in a more textured area, as the muscular guitar sections that peek in would seem to denote.The vocal edge is an angered scream, but it works for such a song and I wouldn't change it. Those who can't get it into it simply don't like this kind of music."Lost Generation" comes next with it's pounding bass grooves, along with a very small section that feels like it might have it's place in melodic death metal. There's a clean vocal in the background, but it doesn't seem necessary.Again, the muscular guitar solos in the piece also make it work for me. A lot of bands in this style never had much to offer in that area, but these guys make it count.Surprisingly, the band pull a seven-minute cut out of their asses on "Bulldozer" which seems to bring in that Drowning Pool inspired clean vocal style, which also reminds me of early Mudvayne and Coal Chamber. The track also fucking pounds, which is what most Nu-Metal fans are going to notice right off the bat.This is how I remember the genre and this record so far has reminded me of the very best of the genre.Alternatively, "Bulldozer" reminds me of "Big Truck". The song also contains a slight bit of atmosphere which adorns an awesomely large and powerful solo. It's the quintessential Nu-Metal cut redefined and I love every bit of it.It might sound corny to say, "I'm a bulldozer!" but I'm really feeling it here."Evolution" is where we end, with more of those useless clean vocals (even though they could come in handy if raised a bit higher in the mix) and more down-tuned basses.But I'd simply have it no other way. Some might say this record sounds a little outdated and it is admittedly odd to release a record like this in today's musical climate; but I can honestly say that it is something much different than what everyone else is doing, and that it is done in a much different and more textured fashion than I heard from a vast majority of the acts that spawned this sub-genre.I guarantee that anything you hear on this demo is going to be rougher and heavier than the forthcoming Drowning Pool album, Hellalujah. Haven't even heard it yet, but I can assure you that these guys are going to roll them up and smoke it. Especially considering what I heard from the last one. There's still some work to be done and the experiment is still in it's rough stages, but there's still more than enough meat to chew on.I definitely recommend all remaining Nu-Metal and groove metal fans out there to give Viral a try, because I really enjoyed this performance. Maybe you'll pound your fists to it as well.Review by The Grim Lord.
I am totally digging this EP by Spreading the Disease, the young metal madmen from across the big pond in Kent, England. Even though it is only a four-song release, Viral crams a whole shitload of riffs, screams, beats, anger and angst into it’s short running time. This must explain why I’ve just been leaving it on repeat and letting it loop over and over again. It is that fucking good.
These strapping young lads wear their influences on their sleeves proudly. It is quite evident on tracks like “F.U.C.K.U.” and “Bulldozer” that they have spent their formative years listening to some powerful and definitive metal bands. They have taken what they learned and made it their own. I can honestly say that after this taste of Spreading the Disease, I will anxiously await a visit to the United States to tour and a full album release.
Viral is self-released and out now. Buy it here!
SkullsNBones Rating (5 Out Of 5):
Emerging from Kent, Spreading the Disease are a contemporary metal band that tap into the spirit of old school grooves with a thrash twist.
Their debut EP ‘Viral’ is a bold statement of aggression that will certainly tick all the boxes for fans of modern metal. The opening number 'F.U.C.K.U' sets the tone with groove-orientated riffs that are potently influenced by Pantera and Machine Head. Following a similar template 'Lost Generation' is as groove laden as the opener with an abundance of meaty riffs that chug along nicely from beginning to end. Breaching the seven-minute mark 'Bulldozer' somewhat differs from the previous tracks by utilizing clean vocals, a grander dose of melody with a thrashier edge. The finale of 'Evolution' embarks on one last barrage of hard-hitting riffs with some tidy melodic sections.
Personally, ‘Viral’ does very little to excite me as (a) I am not a fan of groove metal and (b) I have heard the same style riffs churned out over and over again by countless bands. With that being said, I recognize that there is an audience there that will really dig this EP. Fans of Pantera’ esque groove metal will surely find something positive in this release.
Review by: Rob Herald
SPREADING THE DISEASE
VIRAL EP
7 out of 10
When Steve Saunders approached me via Facebook to do a review of his band’s debut EP, I didn’t really know what to expect so I plugged my headphones into my Samsung android phone and pressed play.
The creation of Steve, formerly bassist from The Self Titled, Spreading The Disease, a contemporary metal band, were formed in late 2014 and hail from Kent in the United Kingdom.
Released on February 27th 2016, their four track EP, Viral, is a mix of aggressive riffs and amazing hooks and licks, blended together with both dirty and clean vocals to produce a sound that is quite unique.
The opening track F.U.C.K.U, a song packed full of hostility, is a direct middle finger for the listener to anyone who has ever pissed them off, giving them a no bullshit attitude right from the start.
High energetic drumming from Edd Saunders, and heavy riffs from lead guitarist Julien Riquelme are prevalent throughout the EP, with rhythm guitar being provided by Martin Osborne and Steve on bass creating the overall balls to the wall sound.
The stand out song for me was the last track Evolution, vocalist Adam May showing his ability to swap between dirty vocals and clean, fast riffs interspersed with more melodic sounds.
Drawing on influences such as Pantera, Machinehead and Devildriver, this is an English band with an American attitude, and a heavy fucking metal sound.
Spreading The Disease may only have been around for a relatively short period of time, but judging by the impact the EP has on the listener and their extensive internet presence I would say these guys are around to stay.
Well, I had an opportunity to review this band from an amazing guy called “Steve Saunders”. Steve’s brain child Spreading the Disease is right around the corner with launch of their debut EP titled as “Viral”. The 5 member band punches right through your face with their fine work. The EP consists of 4 tracks dealing with varied emotions and influences.
With some heavy-ground shaking riffs and breakdowns, there are occasional atmospheric fills. An essence of Slipknot and Pantera can be felt here along with the clean vocals. The riffs are groovy and the tone produced is really commendable. Quite amazing! The work can be noted by Julien Riquel who has undertaken lead guitar duties for the band. Lightning fast solos combined with melodic fills fits in real perfect. F.U.C.K.U. is one of the quite interesting songs of the EP. The drums are good and pumping. I wished the band had something more to offer. I’d say, if Dimebag was alive and checked out this band, he’d be pretty impressed I guess.
Overall, the EP has very decent level of production and mix. Full length album is something I would be definitely looking forward to.
Rating – 75%
EP REVIEW: Spreading The Disease – Viral
Posted By: Phil Bruceon: June 21, 2016In: Reviews
The new band of ex-Self Titled bassist Steve Saunders this debut EP explodes into action from the off! For a 7 minute song, opener ‘Bulldozer’ is quite an adventure packed full of Adam May’s angry vocals & some intricate melodies around the thrashing riffs intertwined with some almost grunge riffs & cleaner vocals. The middle section chills out & gives both Steve & drummer Edd Saunders a chance to allow us to take a moment before it smashes back into life. Some old school thrash shredding never goes amiss either!
Next is ‘Evolution’ with some more off kilter lead stuff & Adam’s almost rapping over it makes for an intriguing if not always easy listen. The backing vocals here confuse too with an almost dirty rock & roll feel to them – once we hit the solo & back into the song I can imagine this being a great live singalong/pitalong. The wonderfully titled ‘F.U.C.K.U.’ carries an old school thrash feel with some angry words leading into an angry chorus taking the full stops out of the title. Easy to imagine this live when the beer & the pit are in full flow & another solo reminiscent of someone like Gang Green rather than Exodus taking me back a few years! Closer ‘Lost Generation’ has a wonderful bluesy intro & is probably my tune of the EP with a wonderful groove that will almost certainly have body parts moving in all the best ways (it did for me, anyway)
For a debut EP this is a solid start – a slightly muddy production didn’t help my enjoyment but the variations in songs & the heavy tone more than made up for it. Recommended for fans of the older school thrash/hc/punk sound. Steve & the band are hardworking advocates of our scene & have plenty of gigs & festival appearances lined up over the coming months. I look forward to catching them live.
EP REVIEW: Spreading The Disease – Viral Reviewed byPhil Bruce on June 21.
For a debut EP this is a solid start – a slightly muddy production didn’t help my enjoyment but the variations in songs & the heavy tone more than made up for it. Recommended for fans of the older school thrash/hc/punk sound.
Rating: 3.25
Release 29th February 201
Summary 65%
I have been hearing a lot about this band recently across the scene and was always intrigued into what they'd sound like but never got the time to actually check them out. After listening to the EP a few times I can definitely say they'd be a band that you'd want to watch live. First track titled ''F.U.C.K.U is the most eerie start which makes me think that it may actually be quite a slow song but it builds up into a hard hitting and a smack clean in your face kind of song with quite a lot of melody with it.Second track titled ''Lost Generation'' is your typical straight up hard hitting metal track with the very subtle kind of thrashy guitars and drums that make this song a winner in my eyes. The hardcore styled shouty vocals over the slow guitaring makes the song build a bit more of an atmosphere to it. Third track titled ''Bulldozer'' has the car engine start Building atmosphere all the way. The clean vocals kick in and was actually quite a surprise but a very pleasant one at that for me.Fourth track titled ''Evolution'' really just kicks in with a punchy guitar riff and pounding double bass which may not be fast but really compliments well with the guitar riffs. Then a bass riff with some very subtle but eerie clean vocals. then a shred which makes the drop hit you hard with the vocals, there is a certain guitar riff in the back of the punchy chugs which really makes this song a killer for me.
Get the EP I recommend it!
Spreading The Disease – Release ‘Viral’ EP
Posted by: Natalie Conway in EP Reviews, Reviews May 3, 2016 0
Despite the very obvious and humorous abbreviation of this bands name, there is nothing funny about STD’s first EP. Spreading The Disease have introduced themselves to the metal world with heavy riffs, punchy songs and the right kind of attitude.
Kicking off with ‘Bulldozer’ the tone is set for what seems to be the making of a good metal album. Heavy guitars, the right balance of growling leads you into that deep, dark place inside where only metal resides. ‘Evolution’ (Track 2) is catchier and has a bit more of a mainstream feel to it. However, ‘F.U.C.K.U’ is by far my favourite. The guitars on the intro grabbed me straight away. It’s also refreshing to say I understood every word that was screamed in my direction. That’s a rarity for me within the Metal world.
Overall, this is a well thought-out EP and builds to a great crescendo with final track ‘Lost Generation’. One of the things that really stood out for me with this EP is that the sound is ever evolving. You really couldn’t pigeon hole these guys as they seem to have taken various aspects of what they like and have thrown it into a metal melting pot. Thus creating an end product that can and does appeal to a wider audience.
Keep up to date with STD here STD Facebook page.
Spreading The Disease – Release ‘Viral’ EP
Despite the very obvious and humorous abbreviation of this bands name, there is nothing funny about STD’s first EP. Spreading The Disease have introduced themselves to the metal world with heavy riffs, punchy songs and the right kind of attitude. Kicking off with ‘Bulldozer’ the tone is set for what seems to be the making of a good metal album. Heavy guitars, the right balance of growling leads you into that deep, dark place inside where only metal resides. ‘Evolution’ (Track 2) is catchier and has a bit more of a mainstream feel to it. However, ‘F.U.C.K.U’ is by far…
Review Overview
RAMzine Star Rating
80
Summary : A well thought-out EP and builds to a great crescendo.
Very funny interview with Ben Myers/Digit Revolution radio https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k2HiFdY4_E4
SPREADING THE DISEASE – VIRAL REVIEW
May 29, 2017 · by Pixee Pea · in music monday, the pod. ·
Genre: Metal
Distributor/Label: Independent
Released: 2015
Website: http://bit.ly/2rtQ0Ex
Facebook: http://bit.ly/2rtEUzi
Spreading The Disease are a contemporary metal band based in Kent. Formed in 2014 by founding member and bassist Steve Saunders, it’s apparent that brutal, ballsy, in-your-face metal has been the agenda from the off!
Released in 2015, Viral is their debut EP & having had the pleasure of witnessing the carnage first hand, it’s safe to say that I’m well and truly infected!
Their opening track F.U.C.K.U is a clear indication of things to come, with gnarly vocals; thrashy riffs and punk-metal undertones – the emotion is raw, both musically and lyrically. Secondly, Lost Generation incorporates melodic, yet manic solo’s and riffage along with the distinctive STD sound. The third track Bulldozer is a healthy 7 minutes long, I was hooked throughout.
Throughout the album there are strong thrash & nu-metal influences, however tracks 3 & 4, Bulldozer and (my personal favourite) Evolution, are infiltrated with electronic sampling & create a cocktail of thrash & dirty punk with a splash of death metal & a twist of industrial.
The unique and distinctive sound created by this infectious 4 piece is refreshing and it’s rare to find a modern metal band which are able to write and produce an album with both an original & timeless sound.
Since watching the guys play at the Star Inn, Guildford earlier this year (along with Kill For Company, Gutlocker & End of Salvation) I’ve had this EP on repeat in my car & I honestly can’t get enough.
With a busy year ahead, the future is looking beefy for STD!
For fans of: Fear Factory, Slipknot, Korn, Coalchamber, PMT
You can stream their debut EP viral, here.
https://soundcloud.com/spreading-the-disease
Future tour dates can be found here:
http://motivatedmusicmgnt.wixsite.com/spreadingthedisease/tour
Thanks for reading, Pixee x