Battle Ruins are a phenomenon. Their self-titled 7″ EP from 2010 was the first release that introduced them to the world under the Rock ‚N‘ Roll Disgrace Records label. Now, in 2024, this classic gets a repress – this time on 12″ vinyl in a deluxe gatefold sleeve, courtesy of Rebellion Records. Compared to the original version, this edition includes two bonus tracks: Cut Bloodline and Cold Iron Death. The pressing is limited to 300 copies on black vinyl and 450 copies on clear vinyl with black-on-black splatter.
Battle Ruins deliver a unique hybrid of genres, built primarily on elements of punk and NWOBHM (New Wave of British Heavy Metal) – with vocals drawing most heavily from the latter. I’m not usually a big metal fan, but NWOBHM is an exception for me, and here it fits perfectly. Any comparison is bound to fall short, but if I had to describe it to someone, I’d say it sounds like Iron Maiden decided to play a punk gig in a medieval battle museum.
Looking at the members‘ backgrounds, the sound makes total sense – hardcore, punk, Oi!, metal – it’s all in there. On the punk/Oi! side, the most notable projects are probably Lovely Lads, Hammer and the Nails, and Rival Mob.
The whole record radiates a warlike atmosphere, and it’s a joy to hear how tightly everything comes together. The commanding vocals add urgency and provide the missing piece that brings the whole mix to perfection. Lyrically, it’s all about battles, blood, steel, fire, resolve, and sacrifice. Compared to their later material, I’d say this debut is the most punk – the band slowed down a bit over time and leaned more into atmospheric depth.
I’m sure there will be fans who’ll criticize the repress and refer to the original version as some kind of collector’s bible. But in my view, if you want the original, go hunt down the first 7″ from Rock ‚N‘ Roll Disgrace Records. This Rebellion Records edition is perfect for diehards or for those who missed out the first time around. I love it, and I’m glad I could add this version to my collection.
Still, one thing remains high on my list – I want to see Battle Ruins live. Their records already feel like cult classics to me. And this release proves that a great project doesn’t come from recycling clichés and formulas, but from building your own artistic world, breathing real life into it, and delivering it to the audience with conviction and enthusiasm.
TOP TRACKS: Traitors Stomped Out, Warpaths Ahead, Blood Eagle
SPOTIFY: https://1url.cz/dJacD
