ALBUM REVIEW: In Evil Hour – Permanent Record

Snayle Records
Released: 7.12.25

Whenever a punk or metal band release an acoustic record I am likely to brace myself before hitting play on it or on any singles or promotional material that come before it. It’s because I know from experience that although I love plenty of acoustic music, such ventures from heavier artists so often leave me cold. In Evil Hour, a melodic hardcore band from Darlington, have just released Permanent Record, which consists of acoustic reimaginings of ten of their tracks previously released over the years as electric, forceful and provocative pieces. I am fully strapped in and braced for this one.

Gone are the distorted and abrasive tones of choppy guitar riffs and punching drums of such tracks as Predators, Progress and Ascension from 2015’s Built On Our Backs, as well as Bitter, Modern Detachment and Enemy Within from 2017’s Lights Down. They have been stripped back to a more gentle arrangement of acoustic guitars, brushed drums and percussion and even some fine cello work from Buffy Hughes. The songs have been beautifully arranged in such a way that the melodies really shine, as does Alice’s vocal abilities. Without any of the usual commotion to contend with, her voice, still so full of character, matching the mellowed tones of the instrumentation but never losing a little bit of bite here and there, fully takes the spotlight and she passes with flying colours.

I don’t realistically need to gear myself up for acoustic records from heavier bands anywhere near as much as I tend to do. I’m very often presented with a fine piece of work and that’s the case here. After all, if the songs are there, however they are arranged and performed, the end result is usually a favourable one. The fear stems from the fact that when these albums miss, they can miss by a country mile. And in this instance the songs are most definitely there, even if there is an underlying snarl of aggressive energy with nowhere to go in places. The lyrics, which also are given more attention when there isn’t as much ruckus to compete with, are strong enough to carry the songs in their new form and the aforementioned melodies and vocals are really suited to the acoustic arrangements and the cello. Al, Gareth, Gib and Mike have already announced new original (and electric) songs are imminent in the form of a new EP next year but if you enjoy a bit of In Evil Hour, I wouldn’t shy away from checking out Permanent Record in the meantime.