ALBUM: The Safety Fire – Grind The Ocean

The Safety Fire are a relatively unknown, London based djent (or progressive metal; there have been many arguments on whether they are djent or not but for all intents and purposes, they are) band that has been active since 2006. They first made a name for themselves with the release of their critically acclaimed EP Sections back in 2009 and their reputation grew as a powerfully energetic live band. Since their EP, there have been no further releases, until now. Grind The Ocean is their first full-length album released through InsideOut Music, who they signed to in August last year. With extensive touring with bands such as Malefice, Bleed From Within, Rise To Remain, Periphery and Monuments as well as playing at Sonisphere Festival UK in 2011, their CV is beginning to look rather impressive.

This 9 track album with its heavily digitally processed power chord and syncopated guitar riff differs from your standard djent band such as Periphery, TesseracT and Meshuggah. What stands out the most when you are listening to them are the vocals. Sean McWeeney has a versatile range and his ability to go from a low scream to a clean high is quite impressive and rare. There is a certain je ne se qua about his voice and it differs from anything else around. It is very intriguing, not only due to the vocals but throughout the irregular guitar riff and breakdown in a low tuning compromises and flows very well. There’s no disputing, this is a good album.

Their opening track is their newest single Huge Hammers; it is a good opening with its heavily distorted sound which compliments the vocals. Lyrically there is a lot of potential, Circassian Beauties is pretty good and as well written as this album is, you can feel a lot of untapped potential. This band will go far.

This album is not just about the outstanding vocals and exceptional lyrics, as a band they are excellent. These are very good and very tight musicians with a variation of sounds across the album. Diversity is a good thing as long as there is a good flow which in this case, there is. There is a technical complexity which showcases each of the band members’ talent.

The production is overall lacking but it makes up by being an excellent first full-length album. If you have waited three year for this release, you will not be disappointed, this album is strong and powerful and your ears will thank you for listening.