‘My carried weight is everything, Am I not enough for who I am today? Why do I feel myself wearing thin (wearing thin)? Everyday I’m like a stranger in my own skin’ (Leave)

Orange County’s Whirlwind take their bow on their debut full-length, Lasting Peace.  A robustly resonant rhythm section provides the groundwork, while waves of surging, muscular metallic riffage are unfurled, accented throughout by flares of sombre melody.  Rhythmically roared vocals frequently display an urgent, almost fraught dimension that perfectly reflects the band’s lyrical concerns of self-doubt, frustration, and regret.

The song writing is thoughtfully structured, ensuring that while monolithically heavy, the onslaught retains a satisfyingly fluid dynamic with echoes of Foundation and Chokehold.  Stand-out moments are, perhaps, the rampaging Empty Hopes (including some fiercely infectious bass work) and the title track that brings the album to an absolutely crushing finale.