7/10

Having spent the last couple of years releasing a flurry of powerful and impactful rock gems, the band formerly known as 7 Deadly 7 return as S.G. Wolfgang to embark on a new and reinvigorated journey as an outfit more focused on personal demons and the troubles facing many young men today. Now unveiling the first major milestone of their career, their debut studio album 'The Shadows Are Lengthening', the band are keen to make their message known on a release that sees them crack out killer riffs and thunderous anthems throughout.

From the start, 'The Shadows Are Lengthening' sees them take on many guises, all through this hazy lens of depression and claustrophobia. While the record's lead single 'Souls Out' acts as the highlight of the record, with its Queens Of The Stone Age-style riff and memorable rhythm, much of the album sees the band adopt are more atmospheric demeanour. Opening up with the gritty 'Row The Boat', the group look to give the impression of an outfit filled with a sense of remorse that seems to make its way out with a rapturous cacophony of clattering guitars and stomping drums.

'The Shadows Are Lengthening' is a largely enjoyable release that features many influences along the way. With nods to the 90s grunge era on singles such as 'Last Man Standing' and an ode to Arctic Monkeys' AM sound on 'Wishing Well', this is a record filled with many surprises that hit the nail on the head most of the time.