1. THE SHADOW RUSE
The intro riff to The Shadow Ruse starts strongly by demanding attention, which then settles into an energetic verse riff. This is followed by tremolo guitars driving in with the power and harmonies reminiscent of viking metal and accompanied by accordion played in a way that feels more serious than is often associated with the instrument. The tension builds with blast beats that launch into a beautifully melodic and spacious chorus. The vocals alternate between singing and growling, a contrast that fits perfectly with the lyrical theme.
The lyrics, written by Ian Tarboton (Accordion, Keyboard & Growls), ponder the relationship between ‘light’ and ‘dark’. Ian shares that “in life, we often categorise things into good and bad, and colour them light and dark respectively, as we go through ups and downs. But, what one person perceives as good is often perceived as bad by another, and vice versa. So, what exactly does that mean? Who can say other than good and bad are merely perceptions? Where there is light, there are also shadows, yet light looks brighter when it shines in the dark. Ultimately, it is all games in the mind and we either see through the game or we become the game. We evolve and grow as we learn to see through the game and find the balance. The music for this song was mostly written by Guitarist Hristo Nikolov, and was originally intended to be more punk in style. But, it was soon obvious that while it had all the energy of punk, it had a darker undertone that just had to be in a metal song. So, it became the first song worked on by Hristo and Ian, and it laid the foundation of Bring to Bear’s style.”
2. NO ONE KNOWS (QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE ACCORDION METAL VERSION)
Ian Tarboton (Accordion, Keyboard & Growls) shares that “We wanted to do a cover of a song that is well known so that the familiarity will catch the attention of a wider audience, and our unique take would introduce them to our sound. It was chosen through a gameshow style discussion where we had created a list of originals that we thought would be good to cover, and then proceeded to cull them through debating their merits and suitability. The end result surprised us all. The music was then arranged by Hristo, considering which aspects of the original track would work best on our collection of instruments, and how we could make the song heavier and more aligned with our style.”
3. FROM THE ABYSS
The music for this song was written by Ian Tarboton (Accordion, Keyboard & Growls), and begins with an offbeat theme on strings that creates a sense of curiosity and anticipation. This builds into a rolling metal sound on guitar and drums, accompanied by tribal “hoo’s” and “ha’s” striking a primal chord.The verses are very melodic exploring different layers and variations in each verse. Then sounds the battle call with growls in preparation for a chorus that calls the listener to a place of resolution. The song is then split down the middle by an instrumental duel, with guitar and accordion taking turns to battle out a solo like exchanging blows, coming together in a harmony before going back to the main theme of the song. The lyrics, written by Ian Tarboton, call for a resolution to lift yourself out of the depths holding you down and go after what gives you meaning. From our lowest moments come our strongest, most primal motivations.
Richard Knight (Bass)
Simon Jones (Drums)
Ian Tarboton (Accordion, Keyboard & Growls)
Izabela Smyt (Lead Vocals)
Nikiforos Rotas (Guitar)
Hristo Nikolov (Guitar)
Photo: Nikiforos Rotas
BRING TO BEAR is a UK Symphonic Folk Metal Clan on an adventure, playing their favourite styles of Folk Melodeath infused with Symphonic influences. Formed in May 2020 by long-time friends and bandmates Ian Tarboton and Hristo Nikolov, the determined duo wasted no time in preparing their first material and expanding the BRING TO BEAR Clan.
By January 2021 the lineup was expanded adding Simon Jones on Drums, Nikiforos Rotas on Guitar & Izabela Smyt on Lead Vocals. In May 2021 the indomitable quintet entered the studio to record their Debut EP LIGHT AND SHADOW, with the Debut Single and Lyric Video THE SHADOW RUSE released on 16 July 2021.
Shortly thereafter the current lineup was clinched, adding Richard Knight on Bass in preparation for unleashing their Debut EP LIGHT AND SHADOW and Debut Official Music Video for NO ONE KNOWS (Queens Of The Stone Age Accordion Metal Version) on Friday 8 October 2021 …