EP Review: Warhog – The Dystopian Chronicles Vol. 1 (Self Released)

North Texas metallers, Warhog will release their brand new EP, The Dystopian Chronicles, Vol. 1, independently on the 28th of June.

Formed in early 2020, the group spent the initial days of the pandemic tracking demos and collaborating remotely, culminating in their debut album Call of the Voyager. Since then, Warhog have been blending driving, rhythmic riffs with melodic, storytelling vocals, drawing inspiration from giants like Iron Maiden, Black Sabbath, Mastodon, Pantera, and Brendon Small (Metalocalypse), creating a unique blend that honours traditional metal while pushing forwards into new territories. Described as “Strongly theatrical and atmospheric,” and “Head-noddingly addictive!”, Warhog strives to craft metal music that appeals to all listeners, not just metal enthusiasts.

This latest offering from the North Texas metal quartet is the first installment in a trilogy that explores the darker sides of humanity—violence, the lust for power, obsession, and deceit—through a narrative set in a dystopian future. Each track promises to be a profound reflection on the complexities of our modern world.

Warhog is Scott Beetley on vocals and guitar, Eric Kendall on guitar, Justin Hopper on bass, and Robert Powers on drums.

Coming with 5 tracks and a long run time, for an EP, of just over 25 minutes, The Dystopian Chronicles Vol. 1 gets underway with Already There. My first taste of music on this EP and, I think, overall from Warhog, and it’s a spectacular introduction, offering hope and promise of something altogether more epic than I think I expected. Already There is an intro track, at just over 2 and a half minutes long, it is a gorgeous, melodic orchestral piece. Like the opening credits to a film, it offers a little intrigue and excitement, getting you into the right frame of mind as pianos twinkle and violins sooth.

Hunt of the Cybertooth then offers the first taste of of the Warhog, properly and it starts with a nice bit of riff work and some crunchy drums offering a bit of groove before changing to a tapping style. The vocals are clean, with a deep tone and a hard edge, leading into a chorus where we get some really good harmonising and an elevation in the music to create an epic soundscape. Musically, outside of choruses, there is a strong and steady riff and punchy drum beat though it does sound a little muffled at times and could maybe have done with the music being pushed a bit harder and louder in the mix.

It’s all there, it’s strong but vocals overpower some of the nuances in the guitars and drums. The chorus is great and both the lead vocalist, and the backing vocals are on point in a song that has a nice storytelling aspect to it, and offers plenty of room for head nodding and foot tapping in it’s hard rock stylings.

Emperor comes next and kicks ass, with an absolutely killer intro with fiery beats and powerful riffing, before a screaming solo take sus into a more groove orientated section of tapping drums and bass lines. The vocals raise in tone a bit and, especially when the backing joins to add depth, are really good and very listenable. Lyrically, strong in storytelling again and very easy to listen to and grasp, Warhog definitely deliver on the “Chronicles” bit of The Dystopian Chronicles title. Focusing heavily on a steady and rumbling, bassy riff that will have you working your neck, it’s a strong song with plenty of treats to come. A nice slowdown to a very epic sounding, layered chorus of sorts then from that into a fiery, screaming solo – it’s a really strong song and one I’ll be coming back to a lot.

Next, is next on The Dystopian Chronicles and again showcases Warhog as a band that know how to grab you from the off with a superbly catchy riff and beat kicking straight in. The quick picking section will have you wanting to punch the air in delight, even more so when a scream of lead guitars suddenly sounds out and we hit a mammoth solo to add to the impressive extended intro. Back to the catchiest of riffs and beats as the vocals join in, similar again in style with a clean voice, a deep tone and a ton of power in his lungs, where the chorus then sees the harmonising add more depth and layers. I really like the echoing, ringing guitars in the menacing spoken word section and there is another fiery solo. What’s not to like?

The Dystopian Chronicles closes out with Downtrodden in a shorter song but still with plenty packed in to it. I really love this song, it has a traditional vibe, is accessible and again has a strong storytelling aspect to it, helped by the clarity of the vocals. It’s a steady track, from a rhythm perspective with strong drums and strong riffs but the major selling point here is once again the pretty spectacular harmonising and layered vocals popping in and out and it closes out the EP perfectly.

Overall, The Dystopian Chronicles Vol. 1 is an exceptional release in a lot of ways. Firstly, you are getting a lot for you money – I have listened to full albums that have less overall run time than Warhog deliver here. There is also a lot to admire in the writing of the release. Songs flow well, and while I don’t necessarily grasp yet if there is a singular concept, outside of dystopia, that ties them altogether, I followed each song easily, sparking imagery in my mind, though strong lyrical work and crystal clear pronunciation. I really like that story aspect a lot. Vocals are strong, backing vocals are strong – combined, they mesmerise.

Musically, it’s very comfortable to listen to. Very accessible with nice riffs, great drums and plenty of variation. The lead guitars are strong too with some really cool solo work standing out. It’s not the heaviest, one of the reasons why this is so accessible I guess, but Warhog pack a punch when they need to and there is enough meat on the bones to have my head moving, often involuntarily. Clearly a band with a plenty of talent and ideas, as my first introduction to Warhog, I am mightily impressed with The Dystopian Chronicles Vol. 1. An Ep that offers promise of a big future for a band that should comfortably slot in to the minds and ears of pretty much anyone who likes guitar driven music.

Be sure to check out The Dystopian Chronicles Vol. 1 by Warhog when it drops on the 28th of June, 2024.

Warhog Links

Website – Bandcamp – Facebook – Instagram – Patreon – YouTube – YouTube Music – Amazon Music – Spotify – Apple Music