Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating 8.5/10

Peace is only achievable when there is nobody around to add to the noise, quiet, the lack of substance in the air is an illusion to the ears, for surely where humanity stands there must be a sound, for why else would our heart stir, why would it cause a commotion and beat with frightening regularity when the prospect of something illuminating comes along; when something stirs in the forest of reclusive Metal, all the world should hear.

Buckle Tongue may have been quiet in the world, the sensation of silence and hushed tones all too evident for one of the few bands to delve into the Metal arena from the Liverpool area. It does not mean however that they have been still, that they have neglected the passion that has seen them produce a wave of songs and tremendous live appearances over the last few years, indeed like a trained group of ninjas they have been in the background orchestrating their return to the forefront of the minds of Liverpool’s Metal church and the first shots are fired with the stunning All At Peace.

Peace is how you define it, for some it is just an easing of tension, the moment in which war is declared to be over but no accord is signed, just continual sniper fire in the bushes, for some it is perfect tranquillity, nature, the Earth, the Universe all as one and dancing silently in the void, not a peep, not a gesture breaking the spell. For some good souls though peace comes with a price and the levy is true existence, noise, clamour and the deep growl of the planet as it suggests an echo of a bass guitar and the hectic frenzy of a drum beat should be admired, it is where Buckle Tongue beat a path too and make sure that All At Peace is just another word for music mayhem and the groove of Metal is judge, jury and executioner.

It is to be tried by the band and found not guilty of spreading the stillness but promoting the true peace that the smile and the heart join in unison, that Buckle Tongue’s return is powerful and considered, that silence is once again broken into small and irreparable pieces. A guiding light returns and signals an end to the depressing concord of quiet.

Ian D. Hall