Album Review: Nails – Every Bridge Burning (Nuclear Blast)

For the first time in over 8 years, the blistering assault on our nervous system that can only be described as the sound of Nails, has reemerged. With Carlos Cruz on drums, Andrew Solis on Bass, Shelby Lermo on Guitars, and Todd Jones on guitar & vocals, the upcoming studio album, ‘Every Bridge Burning’, will be revealed August 30th, 2024 via Nuclear Blast Records.

Has it really been so long since we were subjected to the horror and heaviness of new Nails music? It genuinely seemed as though we were never likely to see anything new from this band, yet here we are. They’re back, reforged and refreshed, with a new album that proves no fire has been lost at all. The band might be completely transformed, but the intensity they always had, is ever present. Nails are back, and across 18-minutes of music, they remind listeners just why they are so necessary.

Just one word is needed to sum up this album and that word is ‘violence’. From the moment Imposing Will delivers unbridled hostility, Punishment Map showcases manic speed, and Every Bridge Burning pushes the intensity to a stupidly high level with hardcore infusion, it’s clear this album is a ‘no prisoner’s taken’ kind of listen. Heck, these first three tracks only last around 4 and a half minutes!

There is variety in Nails’ brutality though, even if all the Nails’ hallmarks are here. There’s an old-school speed metal and powerviolence vibe to Give Me the Painkiller which is very cool. Another strong example of the chaos and pain this album causes, and one of the longer tracks on the album. Before Lacking the Ability to Process Empathy showcases a more measured approach to their garish heaviness. The contrast between this track and the following Trapped is quite something, with the latter being only 38-seconds long and all about nonsensical ferociousness.

The short and sharp approach is consistent across the entire album, but nowhere does it feel as forceful as the latter part of the album. Made Up in Your Mind, Dehumanized, and I Can’t Turn It Off creating a tornado of eye-watering, ear-bleeding, and stomach-churning noise. A series of tracks that make it undeniably clear that Nails’ return brings with it the same viciousness. Something that stays steady right to the end where the longest track, No More Rivers to Cross, emerges with destructive intent.

Sit down, you might need to catch your breath afterwards. It’s the normal reaction to having experienced a Nails release.

Nails – Every Bridge Burning Track Listing:

1. Imposing Will
2. Punishment Map
3. Every Bridge Burning
4. Give Me the Painkiller
5. Lacking The Ability to Process Empathy
6. Trapped
7. Made Up in Your Mind
8. Dehumanized
9. I Can’t Turn It Off
10. No More Rivers to Cross

Links

Pre-order | Merch | LinkTree | Facebook | Instagram