Black Smoke Trigger: A Debut Album of Heavy Riffs and Mixed Identity

Black Smoke Trigger’s debut album presents a band caught between two worlds. Their association with Bruce Dickinson on a UK tour hints at a heavier, more intense sound, a notion confirmed by the album’s powerful, fist-pumping riffs. Yet, the band’s flirtations with post-grunge elements occasionally drag them into territory reminiscent of Nickelback or Creed, leading to a sonic conflict that defines this record.

The album showcases a broad range of contemporary influences, but this diversity sometimes muddles the band’s own identity. When they find their groove, Black Smoke Trigger delivers hard-hitting tracks like “The Way Down,” a colossal headbanger, and “Proof Of Life,” with a stomp that could rival Godzilla. However, tracks like “Psycho” and “One More Chance (Don’t Let It Sleep Away)” fall into predictable patterns, undermining the momentum built by the album’s stronger offerings. The result is a debut that hits hard at its best but struggles with consistency.