Stonewashed - Way Of Thorns (1995)

Can anyone tell me anything about this band ? The cover suggests a band far removed from metal, in fact during the mid '90s I wouldn't have been surprised if this had been some bloated indie or grunge record. Metal had lots its shine back then and so many cool acts slipped by the way side - not sure if Stonewashed fit into that category because there's such an air of mystery here. A number of tracks breeze in on almost poppy melody that the listener could be forgiven for turning it off should they expect a metal album, or even a hard rock album for tat matter, but give it a few minutes and suddenly Stonewashed are a fully fledged leather winged monster. It's a hybrid of a chugging Iron Maiden fuelled by exotic grunge - nothing truly weird, just a record out of time and place with anything - I'll slot this alongside The Big F, not because it sounds alike, but because it defies completely, existing on its own - not as a weird project, but as something that doesn't add up. Many a beautiful melody slips into juggernaut rock, the soaring 'Jeannie' doesn't allow the listener to peak into what's coming next, 'Train To Nowhere', 'Outta My Brain', et al, what are they ? is it metal ? Course it is, but it's the type of record that would slip by even though it probably features major characters from metal's past - I dunno, I'm just guessing because Stonewashed keep me guessing. It's a good record, but the '90s have carved off its identity and allowed it to slip away...don't know what else to say. It's hard to fathom so give it a listen on You Tube because you'll be hard pressed to find an original.

7.5/10