Releasedate:   02-05-2025

Neuroblade are a Belgian heavy/thrash-metal project formed in 2023 by David Vandewalle (known from Shocker) and Jochen Mouton (of Enchantress). Their debut EP is titled “Desert Claw”, released on May 2, 2025

“Desert Claw” opens with “Endless Slaughter”, which has a heavy, aggressive tone with high energy riffing. The following track “Avalon” begins more softly, with acoustic guitar before transitioning into classic heavy metal tempo, offering dynamic contrast. The title track “Desert Claw” brings in slower rhythms with more atmospheric guitar melodies initially, but then picks up into more forceful riffs and intense rhythm work. “In The Darkness Of My Mind” is more melodic again, combining quick-picked guitar, driving drums, breakdowns and a solo section, showing more variety in pace and tone. The closer “Left Behind” ends the EP with high impact, recalling the intensity of the opener but weaving in strong riffs and a sense of urgency. A varied couple of tracks.

Atmospherically “Desert Claw” balances old-school heavy metal influences (especially mid-80s bands like Crimson Glory, Judas Priest, Sanctuary) with modern production and some thrash energy. Their layering of clean high tones, and occasional more aggressive deliveries, helps avoid monotony. Tracks like “In The Darkness Of My Mind” and “Endless Slaughter” are among the most effective, the former for its melodic hooks and dynamic shifts, the latter for sheer opening power.

The production is polished without losing the heaviness; the mix gives enough clarity so that riffs, vocals and drums each have space.

“Desert Claw” marks a promising debut. A tight EP that combines heavy-metal nostalgia with modern hooks, strong performance, and enough dynamics to keep interest over its short runtime. While it doesn’t break entirely new ground, it hits many of the right notes for listeners who enjoy high-energy heavy and thrash metal with melody. It’s likely to appeal most to fans of classic metal and melodic thrash, and if the project continues in this direction, it could grow into something with considerable potential.

Line up:

• David Vandewalle – Everything
• Jochen Mouton – Vocals

Links:

Bandcamp