After a successful debut of their first album Welcome to the Escape lead to a rigorous touring schedule across the Southern US, BrokenRail is looking to give fans a taste of their Post-Grunge style with a self-titled EP that is set for release on November 25, 2016. [columns] [column size=”1/3″]
Consisting of four members: Blake Clawson (Vocals), Nelson Rezek (Guitar), Dick Black (Bass) and Alex Hilton (Drums), BrokenRail’s unique blend of post-grunge and hard rock gained them much attention from major television networks such as NBC Sports Network, ESPN and recently Tony Hawk’s RIDE Channel, to even earning the band a nomination at the 2016 Alabama Music Awards for “Rock Artist of the Year”
BrokenRail had been working on new music since 2013, planning to release a full-length LP, but due to post-production delays, as well as interest in the unreleased album from the industry and fans alike, the band pushed forward with the release of their three track EP, offering their fans a taste of what they have been working on for the past three years.
With tracks engineered by Joseph McQueen (As I Lay Dying), mixing and mastering by Kane Churko (Papa Roach) and Logan Mader (Bullet For My Valentine,, Butcher Babies) the band showed enthusiasm.
“We’re really excited about the EP and felt an obligation to offer our fans something while the album’s release remains delayed” said vocalist Blake Clawson. “We’ve been getting so much demand from our new fans as well. They’re constantly asking us at our shows if we have a CD or ‘Where can I get that song?’ that it was just time to get something out there”
AntiHero received access to listen to the album before its release and here’s what we thought about each track.
The EP’s first track “Memory” opens with a heavy distorted guitar then the drums punch in followed by a double bass kick from Hilton. With strong palm muting through the verses and Clawson’s unique voice, it makes the listener focus on the lyrical content of the song, “I see you speak but don’t hear a thing” speaks volumes about the song’s message of betrayal, making the song relatable to anyone who has experienced the tragedy of being stabbed in the back by someone they cared for. For me this was the standout track on this EP
Next is BrokenRail’s single off the album, “Walk Again.” Released November 1st, the music video for the track gave followers and critics a preview of what the band had been working on. The song opens fast and furiously with a strong guitar riff that really gets your head banging. This song really gives the band an opportunity to show their range, especially in the vocals. Clawson’s melodic singing during the chorus and brutality during the closing of the song really adds depth to the track and enhances the meaning of the lyrics.
The last song on the 10 minute 43 second EP titled “Save Me” was the best way to close the release. Showing a bit of a softer side to the band, but still maintaining the heavy tones and powerful vocals. This is one of those tracks you hear on the radio, crank the volume to max and sing along to while driving on the commute home from work.
Personally, I enjoyed the EP and couldn’t get enough of it. However, I was a little upset when “Save Me” ended and the album was over, but it gives us something to look forward to when the band releases their full-length album, still in post-production.
If you are a fan of Avenged Sevenfold, Breaking Benjamin, Disturbed, Five Finger Death Punch, Godsmack, Papa Roach, Shinedown and Three Days Grace, you’ll want to download your copy of BrokenRail when it releases on Black Friday.
