Artist Contacts
Shrubbery Terror’s Infant Joy delivers a dense and forceful take on William Blake’s poetry, shaping his verses through the sheer intensity of heavy metal instrumentation. The album begins with sharp, distorted guitar riffs that remain consistent throughout, establishing a sound that is both aggressive and unwavering. The guitars are layered thickly, producing a wall of sound that sets the tone early and never relents.
Vocals are delivered with unfiltered aggression. Rather than relying on melody or subtlety, the voice tears through each line with a growling urgency. It is less about lyrical clarity and more about raw expression. This approach gives the album a sense of immediacy, capturing emotion in its most primal form. The vocal tone matches the rest of the music in weight and intensity, creating a cohesive sonic identity.
Compositionally, the album maintains a steady focus. There are no quiet interludes or shifts in style. Instead, the pacing holds tight, building tension through volume, repetition, and density. Every instrument plays its part in pushing forward a sound that is deliberately confrontational and immersive.
The most striking aspect is how the band reinterprets Blake’s work. His poetry, usually associated with subtle emotion and quiet depth, is reimagined as something louder and more forceful. This contrast works in the album’s favor, adding an edge that challenges listener expectations.
Infant Joy is not a record of contrasts or genre blends. It is a direct, heavy statement that remains true to its chosen form. For those drawn to unrelenting guitars and intense vocals, this album offers a powerful listening experience grounded in literary inspiration.