JORDAN RED – Hands That Built the World

Thanks to the good people over at Stampede Press, I got my hands on a copy of the upcoming debut offering by British hard rock/alternative metal outfit Jordan Red, and this is one album that packs a lot of punch. Loud and crunchy guitars, interesting layers and textures, superb lyrics with substance to them, and great vocals that truly get the message across – there is a lot to admire and cherish here. Sharp, modern-sounding, and well-produced, Hands That Built the World is an excellent example of how to craft a passionate and energetic opus that contains everything from muscular riffs to emotive singing and further on to earth-shattering choruses and some keen reflections on what it means to be human in the 21^st century. My personal favorites include ‘Way Down’, ‘Don’t Let the Heavens Fall’, the glorious title track, and the absorbing ‘Cast a Flame’. The latter is simply genius songwriting.  

This record is a prime example of how to merge modern rock music with alternative (and to a certain extent experimental) metal to extraordinary effect, and it is very much recommended to those of you who love melodically rich music with drive and power to it. Should you need a teaser then check the crushing ‘Freak Show’ out. And check that opening riff to ‘It Calls my Name’ out too now that you are at it . . . and what about that thunderous chorus in ‘We Are Everybody’?! I could do this all day. Just immerse yourself properly in the whole thing, okay?