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MEARFEST (Brian Mear)
Regression of humanity (2022)

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I am so very grateful for the bands and individuals who send me their music to review.

Tensile are from the Midlands and in 2019 sent me their self titled album .

I was very impressed with the layout and the professional approach they have.

I was delighted to recieve this package in the post consisting of the new album " Regression of Humanity. The CD came with badges, a laminated pass and a unique guitar pick.

Now the music...

From the onset this is an album to drive fast too

It's the sound of war breaking out

Of thunder from the heavens after a year of drought. Its the soundtrack to die too and to die for.

This is pure British Heavy Metal. Its loud and fast it holds no apologies and why the hell should it ?

From the opening track " Welcome ( The Reaper) to the closing seconds on " In your hands" it's a breathtaking ride.

Damon Russell , mainman ,vocalist and Guitarist

Is relentless releasing such force and power there should never be a fuel crisis ever again.

I'll say it again these are like a British Black era Metallica, add Priest, the punk of Discharge and the cutting precision of Testament and your getting close.

The drums of Dave Timms are once again tight and thunderous .

The amazing guitar of Matt T cuts and shreds like a combine harvester on Nitrous Oxide

Steve Kelly's Bass work is sharp and surgically precise .

By the time the second track " Zeitgeist " had wrestled me to the floor I was hooked

Brilliant and I mean brilliant riffs , choruses and song structures combine to bring you an immense album.

Other highlights for me are Straight into hell and Burn it down + Killer.

I had originally planned to host Tensile at one of our Mearfest shows

For many reasons that hasn't happened yet.

They say in life the best things in life are worth waiting for.

That the underground Metal scene in the UK has as so many incredibly talented bands such as this is jaw breaking.

This band has taken a massive step forward

An uncompromising, monolithic masterpiece

Strap yourself in tight... boy what a ride !!!!!

MEARFEST (Brian Mear) - It all makes sense now... (2019)

BI've been working flat out since Mearfest South in a job that is relentless and combined with a very active two year old time has been at a premium. With the steady growth of Mearfest over the past year i'm lucky to recieve band CD's to review and to consider playing for us.


First up tonight is a band not known to me Tensile sent in by the affable Damon Russell
Tensile hail from Tamworth and I know Damon played in our favourite band from that area Chemikill 


I'm residing in Mearfest shed HQ with a couple of IPA'S and blue at the end of the bed
Let's begin....


The self titled album is a corker
First impression of the CD the sheer quality of the artwork, layout and the CD itself draws you in. Yes this is something very special
Ten tracks of Classic British Metal I'm getting the riffs of " Ride the lightning" era Metalica Superb song structure. Catchy as hell and the musicianship is phenomenal
This has a real Classic 80s sound to it and yes it's right up my street having a real NWOBHM feel to the whole album


The Guitar playing by Matt T is incredible. It's hard to believe this is a power trio and not a four or even five piece set up. The sound is rich and full, Superb flawless drumming by Dave Timms,  Damo Russell has a great Metal voice combined with his thunderous bass.


This is a hard album to pigeon hole as there are a lot of different elements here
There's a hint of punk, doom and thrash here all combining in the furnace to become an incredibly strong Metal force to be reckoned with. 
With stand out tracks " Devils Advocate" "Together forever " and "Valhalla Ride"
Tensile are as strong in their songs as their name implies.


A Brilliant album 
Please check this band out and I'm off to see if they can play for us next Summer
Tensile... Strong and Stable. 9/10

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