Audrey Horne – Youngblood

Band: Audrey Horne
Album: Youngblood
Record Label: Napalm Records
Release Date: 5th February 2013
Reviewed By: Craig

Audrey Horne are back with their fourth LP, entitled 'Youngblood'. You may not be able to tell me the names of the first 3 albums. Don't worry if this is the case, up until this year I hadnt heard of them either despite past and present members coming from black/death metal legends such as Enslaved and Gorgoroth as well as doom-rockers Sahg.

If Black, Death and Doom metal is what you are seeking here then I'm afraid you will be greatly disappointed as Audrey Horne are right on the opposite side of the metal genre spectrum. Initially they were influenced by bands such as Alice in Chains, Stone Temple Pilots and A Perfect Circle and although they did do well in their native homeland of Norway they struggled to gain popularity outside of here despite the band consisting of already proven and established musicians.

Up to now it has been difficult to praise Audrey Horne as a band worthy of your time and money but what they have produced with 'Youngblood' could make them one of the most thrilling hard rock bands on the scene today. What have they done differently you may be asking. Well, I will tell you – they have taken their sound back a decade or 4, back to the late 70s/early 80s.

Audrey Horne are now signed to a different record label – Napalm Records and now consist of returning guitarist Arve Isdal (Enslaved), guitarist Thomas Tofthagen (Sahg), drummer Kjetil Greve and singer Toschie. The songs on the album are catchy and well written and each of Youngblood’s 10 songs are worthy of your time.

Through excellent songwriting, shit hot hooks and amazing musicianship, Audrey Horne have managed to re-define themselves as one of this years essential hard rock bands!

8.5 out of 10

Readers album score: {extravote 1}