To Speak in Tongues is the debut EP from KINGS HAMMER released via Rottweiler & Broken Curfew Records, this is a savage death metal solo project from Chuck Weatherman, the guitarist and vocalist of Richmond, Virginia thrashers SHOVELHEAD A.D. A one-man band Weatherman handles vocals, guitar, bass, drums, production and mixing. Talk about one talented Mofo. Rooted in old‑school death metal with strong infusions of groove and doom. Think OBITUARY, ASPHYX, early MY DYING BRIDE, MORTIFICATION, MORBID ANGEL and PANTERA. Weatherman shifts from his thrash roots into a pure death-metal manifesto. The lyrics are overtly spiritual epic battles, demonic opposition, and inner turmoil positioning this firmly within the Christian death-metal tradition, yet with enough grit to avoid sounding preachy

The War in Heaven (03:35) Kicks this one in the guts. What’s obvious here is the MORTIFICATION Influence and there is nothing wrong with that. But like the band I just mention I do find the riffs and song structure to be repetitive, maybe a Christian Metal band trait perhaps. Vehement Zeal (03:16) Great opening riff, gets the old head banging that’s for sure and I have Terminate damnation vibes (a track of the 1992 album Scrolls Of The Megaloth MORTIFICATION. This is the lead single and standout of this ep. Wrath Descends (02:36) Groovy near Nu-Metal time vibe, not my jam but each to its own. I do have to admit, there is a nice heavy riff in here that will make you want to head bang, even with a broken neck.

Crusade IX (03:41) OBITUARY ‑esque riffing is present in this song but once again I find the structure and riffing of the song to be repetitive and nothing really stands out. Witches Bvrn (03:15) Last track on this ep and I believe they have saved their heavier track for last. Glimpses of heaviness creep into this one but once again it’s just that repetitive riffing game again, In saying that I do believe this track will be a fan favourite in any moshpit.

So, to be perfectly honest I cannot say that this E.P was memorable for me, no really big standouts apart from the Influences I mention before. Call me a picky bastard but I enjoy complexity and going on a ride up, down, sideways and any where in between with the stuff I listen to, and for me this did not cut the mustard. However, in saying that (and of course that is my opinion) this is a Solid outing and Debut from Chuck Weatherman and he has been able to spread his message of Christianity without being one of those annoying bible bashers and if I was wearing a hat I would take it off to the man. Well played lad.