CWFEN
Sorrows
New Heavy Sounds Records

I’ll be honest. I had no preconceived ideas about the debut album by Glaswegians CWFEN, mainly because I don’t think I’d heard a note played by them. Taking that blind punt sometimes pays off, and sometimes it doesn’t.

I’ve seen the band described as a hybrid cross between Amenra, Type O Negative and King Woman. And that’s a fair description, although there are sounds here that slip past all of those bands. It may not be unique, but there’s plenty here to keep the attention, especially if the gothic doom and shoegaze vibes are ones you dig.

Big, heavy riffs dominate “Bodies”, with Agnes Alder’s haunting Siouxie-esque style lingering, never rushed or forced. A reworking of one of the band’s demos, it’s a firm fan favourite and on this showing, that’ll become even more the case.

“Wolfsbane” has a real 80s gothic guitar feel, edges of the Sisters Of Mercy inevitably coming to mind, with a chaotic, almost feral element that stirs and shakes. It’s no copycat stuff here mind, original music making and one or two steps into the band’s social media reveals the intense processes that CWFEN apply when crafting their sound.

Another of their earliest songs is “Reliks”, possibly the first track released. It’s a harrowing, echoing piece of music that slowly builds into an aggressive and explosive finale. Alder’s vocals range from dark melancholic to rage filled with aggression. It grabs you deeply and pulls you in with a power not all bands can apply.

CWFEN like to compose big songs that rise, fall and return to the peaks again. “Whispers” is case in point. A smouldering finally tuned track with a simple riff and crashing cymbals that ebb and flow as the track ambles its way forward. The delicious dark atmosphere chills and warms in different ways, with a degree of mystique that adds another level.

Utilising disturbing, short segments called “Fragment I”, “Fragment II” and “Fragment III” provides a moment’s respite, although the gap is possibly just enough to catch the breath before it kicks off once more with some piledriving riffage and the first real extreme style vocals, elements of Serena Cherry from Svalbard in the mix. This is “Penance”, a truly punishing and guttural track that melds the variety of vocals magnificently.

“Fragment III” slots in as another eerie short instrumental before the second reworked track here, “Embers”, takes centre stage. Hypnotic and weaving, it’s an intoxicating and heady mix that sees heavier guitar work alongside crashing percussion and some intricate vocals. It’s a real highlight on an album that becomes more persuasive and enchanting on each play. Album closer “Rite” continues the quality right to the end and leaves you wanting more.

I have a feeling that CWFEN could be a huge band in a few years. You may want to take advantage and get involved early. It might be your best decision for a long while.

Paul Hutchings