Prepare For M.A.B.E.L! The "Mechanical Age" Is Now With HEREWARD's Latest

"Mechanical Age" is out now [photo: Hereward]

When I spoke to HEREWARD back in December last year, they said they were "just getting started". Last release "New Worlds" may have echoed this sentiment, but new track "Mechanical Age" turns everything up to 11: bigger, thrashier, more theatrical - this marks a bold new era for the Peterborough metallers.

A distorted, static recording sets an ominous scene - a dystopian warning about humanity being broken (already we're off to a good start). The recording fizzles into a jaunty radio jingle, introducing M.A.B.E.L ("the robot housemate"), before the track really kicks off - a flurry of heavy drums and blistering riffage.

Who is M.A.B.E.L? Well...

The band are incredibly tight, and the energy is frantic, blending elements of thrash, industrial, and more traditional metal. Vocalist DC carries anger and angst, sounding appropriately maniacal in his delivery. Structurally, there isn't a lot of variety, but the track is infectiously catchy, and it isn't long before your banging your head and throwing your fist in the air.

Music video for "Mechanical Age" [cred. Hereward]

Hereward have always gone for the theatrical when it comes to their live sets - a bubble gun, a prop severed head, and now M.A.B.E.L herself (not a helpful robot at all, but instead a DIY smoke machine gun monstrosity. Not only does "Mechanical Age" perfectly reflect the frantic, joyous energy of a Hereward show, but it marks a major milestone for the band. This truly feels like the beginning of something special.

Introducing M.A.B.E.L! [photo: Hereward]

"The Mechanical Age" is out NOW on streaming services