Black Smoke Trigger Unveils the Dynamic Modern Rock Record “Horizons”

Following the successful Set It Off EP which quickly put this band on the modern rock map, Black Smoke Trigger is back with their highly anticipated debut album, Horizons. The New Zealand band known for incendiary vocals and exciting melodies consists of Wallace (lead guitar), Baldrick (vocals), Dan Fulton (bass), and Josh Te Maro (drums).

The first track proved Black Smoke Trigger had no intention of holding back for this 12-track record. “Phantom Pain” shows off Baldrick’s vocal mastery and the band’s distinct style amongst the modern rock genre. “K.M.T.L.” and “The Way Down” both follow-up with more high-energy drums and explosive guitar moments.

The band’s dynamic really hits home in the brief energy intermission of “Perfect Torture.” Starting off with a more mellow and acoustic moment, the spotlight shifts to the record’s lyricism and vocal highlights. With this song offering a distinct contrast from the first half to the next, “Perfect Torture” is a great example of Black Smoke Trigger’s ability to command a listener’s attention throughout a song.

Moving along to “The Proof Of Life,” Black Smoke Trigger takes us right back into the heavy metal and pace we saw at the beginning of Horizons. Although “Learn To Crawl” has more subdued verses, the chorus and bridge elevates the spirit of the song with great guitar riffs and drum elements. “Set Me On Fire” keeps the energy high as the track is an exciting, classic rock song through and through.

“Psycho” genuinely made me laugh out loud the first couple of times listening with a funny voicemail inclusion. This song, although calmer than “Set Me On Fire” and most of the other tracks on the album, was an incredibly fun song to listen to. The vocal harmonies, different electric guitar moments, and the overall tone of the track rang true to Black Smoke Trigger’s identity. Horizons ends on a strong note with “Promise.” This song is carried by the drums, but ends with a shocking acoustic moment that ties up the record nicely.

Horizons feels like an extension of the band’s successful EP, and is an overall solid debut from Black Smoke Trigger. With a solid foundation, I am excited to see how Black Smoke Trigger continues to grow in this genre.  

Horizons is available now!