Full Shred’s 2007 album “W.I.P.”

Full Shred hail from Limerick, and are fast becoming a prominent member in the Irish music scene, with their brand of heavy, balls out metal. Touring the country from Galway to Tipperary, Full Shred are stopping at nothing to achieve what we can only describe as dreams.W.I.P. is a five track album, consisting of the following tacks “Pray For Forgiveness”, “Military”, “W.I.P.”, “Seeds Your Mind Has Sown” and “Heavens Toll”.

“Pray For Forgiveness” has that Oomph you always want from an opening track. Fast drumming from Dave O’ Dowd, pant-flapping bass from James Lynch, and excellent riffage from the amps of Mike Quealy. Truly, the album is fluently original. I have yet to hear another Irish band who provide this kind of sound. Bobby Noonans vocals, although strong and charismatic, has that similar gentleness to Eddy Vedder. Combine that with the grooving metal sound, reminiscent of the 80’s thundering metal bands, and there is a sound that will certainly get you rolling in the pit.

Next up is “Military”. The slow tempo’d riffs build up to a godlike chorus. This is probably one of my favorite tracks of 2007, and a spellbinding live tune. The solo knocks socks off most guitarists, with widdling you could probably hear from EVH himself.

The Title-track “W.I.P.” was definitely written for the old-school ‘heads. Uptempo, blistering, and extremely Metallica, I have no doubt that this tune is an excellent choice for a title track. “W.I.P” sums up Full Shred very damn well. Loud, fast, and bloody shreddin’. Seems like Kirk Hammet sold his soul to Mike Quealy.

No album is complete without that sad song, and “Seeds Your Mind Has Sown” has that feel. It’s a very sombre track, and shows the gentler side of Full Shred. Building up to a fast chorus, this is the point where you want to go back out and buy this CD again. Dave’s drumming really shows off here, with excellent, tingling beats, and pounding double bass. Again, the Solo is outrageously good, with harmonies, and Bobbys splendid voice lending more feel.

Last on this silver platter of musical mayhem is “Heavens Toll” which, like the title track, is bound to be a hit. Beginning with a soft intro, it builds up to one of those tunes where you would most likely break your neck in the pit. Riffs galore, with that chugging, bloody heavy sound. Bobbys voice excels on this track, breaking the decibel meter on my CD player. Definitely one of the most powerful tracks on this record.

Full Shreds “W.I.P.” is currently available from the bands website and the band are currently touring Ireland.

After hearing this record, we’ll definitely be popping in to see them.

You can view more information on the band and listen to their album W.I.P at their official bebo website: http://www.bebo.com/fullshredireland

-Michael Lee
~Purge.

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