From the EPK: Formed in Aberdare, South Wales, SCRATCH ONE GRUB are ready to make their mark with the release of their debut album, "One", arriving Friday, 27th February 2026. The record promises an unflinching fusion of Progressive ambition, Alt-Metal grit, and raw emotion — cementing the Welsh six-piece as one of the UK's most exciting new Heavy acts. Well, they are bloody Heavy, that's for sure. If you're not strapped to your chair when seated and using speakers, or haven't fastened your headphones to you when listening that way, I advise you to get that done immediately. I can't tell you anything else than that SCRATCH ONE GRUB will blow you and/or your brains away if you're not careful.

As for the defining a musical genre that SCRATCH ONE GRUB operate in, that is a lot more difficult. The riffing itself is mainly Heavy and Thrash Metal oriented, and it gives a very good first layer in the sound, together with the very solid bass and rather convincing drums. From there on it gets a little more complicated, as you will hear parts that are either Metalcore or Hardcore, sometimes Thrash Metal and at times even Groove Metal. The sound effects on "One" can range from Trance influenced keyboards, whispered lyrics, spoken word to Drum Computer fabricated House Rhythms or Rap Grunting vocals. But whatever they use, it is done with respect and every time in good taste and fitting with the song in question. And that is something that I feel SCRATCH ONE GRUB should be applauded for. They know how to put all the different influences together, but even more important, they know how to make them work.

What really does bug me, though, is the difference is levels when it comes to the sound. Some songs have been put on the record louder than some others, and that is annoying. Another dislike for me is the fact that the sound is a bit to meagre to give the music on "One" the full exposure it deserves. And that is a pity, as I feel that with all the elements that SCRATCH ONE GRUB uses during the 37 minutes makes them stand out in a crowd of straight forward bands. I feel that if the production of "One" would have been flawless I would have had no other option than to rate this album as outstanding. Now I can only go up to decent. But what I will add is that I would love to see what these guys can do live. I'll come wrapped in Sellotape, as to not fall apart at the seams.