This four-piece outfit from the UK started in 2020 – an infamous year that may have limited Regicide in terms of live gigs, but they at least could hunker down in the studio and work on their craft. Three singles and their debut EP Burnt Eyes came out between June 2021 to May 2022, setting the stage for some blistering gigs once venues opened again. This sets the stage for Resist Control – a nine-song affair that proves these lads seem ready to take their aggressive form of groove-oriented thrash with hardcore angst to a wider global underground audience.
Most will notice immediately the crunchy, sharp riff placement and ability to shift all over the crossover hardcore to thrash landscape guitarists Mike Davies and Niall Byrne deliver – whether in tandem or individual sonic outlooks, they display tasteful licks as well as downright thick hook capacities throughout “Dying to Be Liked” and the neck whipping “You Ain’t Nobody”. Doomier, mid-tempo groove touches allow bassist Josh Birch some freedom to execute thicker, churning lines on second half favorite “Unified Strength” – the musical components connective for those into Exhorder by a twisted path of Power Trip. Dynamic diversity will win may converts – specific songs have a bit more of that melodic, groove-type gallop (check out “One By One” in this regard) while others possess this aggressive, swirling cocktail of riffs and power that pushes things into the Exodus meets Warbringer world as you’ll hear on “Disposable Crown”.
Where many listeners could vault into the ‘love it or leave it’ camp resides on the hoarse throat volleys out of Niall’s vocal treatments to these songs. You can hear the desperation, the blood curdling screams, the passion – but it has a bit of that nails on the chalkboard aspect that could be too hardcore for some, or not identifiable enough for others. For these ears, it’s at the right edge to not lose the majority of metalheads who commit to this style in the first place. The production from Wayne ‘The Butcher’ Thompson has all the right sharp tones in place – meant to be blasted at peak volumes without too much digital compression to flatten the weight of what’s in these songs.
The UK scene in general has a lot of ears turning because of their melding of what’s out there stylistically into fresh combinations that should expand enjoyment for everyone. Regicide should be one of those up-and-comers getting more appreciation and healthier crowds wherever they choose to play thanks to the solid performances within Resist Control.