OCTOBER RAGE's latest EP, "Fallout, Dust and Guns" is a total throwback to early 2000s hard rock/metal. It's a very short EP with only five songs but they are all well written and fitted with an impactful sound.

"Fallout, Dust and Guns" have mainly two different styles of songs on it. Firstly the badass rock n roll tracks similar to the likes of BLACK LABEL SOCIETY and then the emotive ballads. My favourite songs on the EP are "Valkyrie" (the first track) and then "Heart of Stone". "Valkyrie" is possibly the heaviest song out of the entire EP. The chord progression is slow and simple but has that edgy distorted guitar sound that Hard Rock/Metal is known for. Listeners are also treated to electrifying shreds every so often, whereas "Heart of Stone" has a very soft tone and beautiful melodies.

The other three songs on the EP, "Signal Fire", "End of Days" and "White Walkers" show what great musicians they guys in OCTOBER RAGE really are. Although there is not much experimentation going on, the band keeps the music engaging through the intricate guitar lines and lyrics. The key thing however, is how well structured the songs are. Everything is just so tightly pulled together. The production is also brilliant. Unlike a lot of rock records, the base line, vocals, guitar and drums are audible throughout.

This album is short and sweet but very enjoyable. You feel as though every song has been treated with love and care. Definitely worth a listen if you're into hard rock bands such as ALTER BRIDGE and SHINEDOWN.