These are exciting times for rock and metal fans in the UK. The last few years have seen a huge explosion of young bands from every corner of the country, each with their own distinctive sound born from a devotion to both the heaviest and best music of the past and the freshness and vitality that always emerges when a musical movement embarks on a major step along its evolutionary path. British heavy music is basking in the blaze of a new golden age. And thats where Sondura come in.
"This is a great time to be a metal band in the UK", states frontman Tom Watson. "Anyone who likes rock and metal will be able to relate to what we do. We know we can take this all the way.
Formed by Tom and his younger brother, guitarist Jack, Sondura have the songs, the sound and the dedication to become the next big British rock band of the 21st century. Propelled furiously along by the air-tight rhythm section of bassist Steve Dillon and drummer Fred Green, the London-based quartet have struck upon a uniquely powerful and accessible signature sound that combines the crushing, belligerent sonic might of Black Album-era Metallica with the incisive radio-friendly sensibilities of Nickelback and the edgy verve of Hundred Reasons; a fresh and invigorating collision of styles, custom-built to send Sondura the name means hard sound - rocketing from the enervating slog of the UK toilet circuit to the realms of bona fide rock stardom.
Ultimately, for Sondura its all about the power of the song. As showcased on their debut 3-track EP, these young men have already developed an astute grasp of the melodic candour and dynamic oomph required to send shivers of recognition and elation down the spines of the masses. From the breathless, pit-friendly onslaught of lead track Lights Out, through to the dark, fluid swagger of Antics and the pounding, emotive balladry of the closing Fake, this is a bold and startling statement of intent.
"We're a melodic metal band with catchy hooks, but its always for a reason," posits Jack. "We want people to remember our songs. We want people to leave our gigs saying For fucks sake! I cant get that song out of my head!, you know? Thats what its all about for us.
After earning themselves a formidable reputation as a charismatic and convincing live act, Sondura seem perfectly placed to convert their ambition and devotion to the art of music making into genuine success. So while youre listening to the EP, watching the simple-but-effective Lights Out video on the bands official website or soaking up their infectious energy at a gig, try to imagine a future where Sondura arent one of the UKs biggest new bands. Cant be done, can it?
~Dom Lawson of KERRANG!
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