clyde-built-hardcore:

By My Hands- “No Hope, No Escape” 7 inch EP
Released through: Purgatory Records  

When the postman handed myself a thin parcel with the Purgatory Records symbol stuck to the front of it, I was pishing my frillies with anticipation. This EP Has been the talk of the Steamie since the GHC bhoys played with Brutality Will Prevail in the latter part of last year. This was the first time By My Hands debuted what was to be one of the tracks (entitled “Hollow”) off of the EP. Even in it’s roughest form, in a tiny practice room, it showed true promise. To say I was excited about this EP was an understatement.

No Hope, No Escape - As the title track fades in I’m lured into a false sense of security, before the opening message of No Hope, No Escape assaults my ears and kicks off the record in a foreboding style. This is certainly more than an introduction and sets the benchmark for new By My Hands. Every part of this song is on point from the guitar tone to the deep, well mixed drums. This will surely be a dance floor favourite in the slum venues of Glasgow.

Rust - Still reeling from the opening salvo, I am left no time to regroup and I am immediately eviscerated by the riffage. Frontman Chris Myler spits venomous anger to an unknown aggressor and everything around this vocal saturates and emanates his rage. Although not one for the twoey boys amongst us, it’s a surefire hit with anyone who enjoys mammoth guitar parts and straight-up, no bullshit hardcore.

Hollow - After the first two tracks have truly lived up to high expectations, all I’m left with is the dessert of this meaty EP. Hollow is anything but it’s namesake and is, for the first two minutes, a lesson in fast and thrashy hardcore. This is then followed by the rhythmic - often trademark - drums of By My Hands. The remainder of the track sidesteps from juicy beatdown to beatdown. An unexpected dive-bomb heralds guest vocals from Jeremy Lifeless which brings the EP to a crushing climax. As the EP slowly fades out the sample of Scottish TV legend Taggart states Glasgow is “no mean city” but this is one hell of a mean EP.

Special acknowledgement goes to John “Jawn” McClenaghan for an excellent set of cover photos which encapsulate not only the title but the mood of the three songs you are about to hear.

(9) 

Well written and spot on. Cheers for the shout out also dude!