Armatage Shanks – Story Untold

I have to admit that being a band named after a Green Day song and also from Norway, my interest was piqued a little more than normal. This album was released at the tail end of last year, but here at The Punk Site we like to take on anything that deserves shouting about, but may have slipped under the radar for one reason or another.

Their last album was released around 12 years ago, that being named ‘Lost And Broken’ definitely fitted with the bands namesake song. So where does this album sit in the timeline, albeit a very strung out one.  First thing I’d like to say, but not dwell on, is that yes this is a band/album that holds onto many influences and it shows in the music, but then they wouldn’t be who they are if they didn’t, its a sound that never really loses its attraction. Whether its from songs like ‘Hurricane’ with the unmistakable Millencolin sound, or from ‘No Belief’ that channels its inner Bad Religion, your always going to get something that will hold you throughout this album.

So yes this does have all the hallmarks of an album that could very easily drift into insignificance, or blend into a playlist of like minded music and be lost forever as a “never even noticed who it was”, but as always, I hear what I hope you do, that’s lyrics and little nuances of sound that just lift them above the parapet now and then. ‘Leave The Lights On’ powers in at full steam, and has every chance of being a live favourite. The title track ‘Story Untold’ has a beat and set of riffs that sit perfectly with its hope for the future. Then ‘Broken Record’ rolls in at the end like a power ballad, but with so much more real feeling, this songs shows that the band are unafraid to slow it down and be vulnerable. 

All in all, this is another Scandinavian band showing just how good this part of the world is at becoming a leader.

Out now…. Head over to their social for all links HERE