The West Midlands continues to produce promising new talent. The latest is Cannock-based Alternative Metal quartet Black Autumn, who are not to be confused with the similarly named US Death Metallers or German Doom outfit.
Born in early 2024, the formative duo of singer Eabha Halligan and guitarist Lewis Alcock were bolstered by bassist Lucas Trott, with drummer Jack Loverock completing the Black Autumn lineup.
Gaining inspiration, musically and lyrically, from a diverse host of artists ranging from Poison to Slipknot and Bullet For My Valentine through to Pierce The Veil, debut release Hold Me Down is the sound of an embryonic outfit forging their own path.
Commencing with Lewis’s head-turning, looping riff, when the rhythm section comes in, it provides a propulsive consistency throughout.
Eabha’s vocals are clear and precise with a sultry malevolence on the verses.
A squealing harmonic announces the concise melodic solo as the heads down rhythm steams relentlessly beneath. The post-solo arrangement suggests huge potential, prior to the song hurtling towards its conclusion.
Altogether, a highly encouraging start to the Black Autumn recording career.
Having recently caught them supporting Europa Reign at the Giffard Arms, they delivered, what I noted at the time was, a forceful set of riffy Post Nu-Grunge. Eabha is a captivating and dynamic presence who radiates the kind of attitude and sass reminiscent of Shirley Manson.
With their debut album pencilled in for a late 2025/early 2026 release, I look forward to hearing how they have captured their powerful live sound within the confines of a studio.
Hold Me Down is out now on all major platforms.
Black Autumn are:
Vocals – Eabha Halligan
Guitar – Lewis Alcock
Bass – Lucas Trott
Drums – Jack Loverock
