You don't find many artists that step outside the realm of conservative formulas for "creative" new music - probably for good reason : the formulaic approach sells, and we eat it like we're being spoon-fed without awareness that "Oh my Lord! New and exciting bands really do exist!" Enter: Wrench In The Works. It may not be flawless, and it's definitely not clean... in fact, their debut Facedown release is refreshingly dirty. With brute force the threesome thrusts the listener into a viscously paced, double-bass introduction that leaves you frustrated you can hardly move to the same tempo. Unique and heavy in its moments of chaos an calm, this album - lyrically, experimentally, and collectively - stands out in a time of general relapse.
HM Magazine Nov/Dec 2008 by Levi Macallister


POST-HARDCORE NOISE: Creating a racket not dissimilar to post-hardcore maulers Zao and Ed Gein, Wrench In The Works launches "Lost Art of Heaping Coal" from the speakers on a wave of guitar squall and clattering rhythms that have taken a severe beating from the ugly stick. A sense of urgency underpins the majority of the tracks, so that the likes of "Our Time" and "Brokenness" surge past you like a whirlwind of adrenaline and amphetamines, the tortured vocals of bassist Darrell and guitarist Mehl conveying a sickness behind their lyrics. "One Foot out of Hell" has them applying the brakes, and while still maintaining their intensity, they blend in post-rock style melodies and a glorious crescendo(prior to a thuggish breakdown), which proves that there's more to this mob than at first meets the ear - something that is cemented by the shimmering passages of the title track, which closes out the record. Although maintaining a level of spirited bluster, the record is undermined slightly in that it sounds in turns like too many other bands - add the likes of Converge, Knut, Johnny Traunt, Pig Destroyer and Drowningman to the list - never quite managing to carve out a unique identity for itself, but hopefully "Lost Art of Heaping Coal" will prove to be a stepping stone to greater glory.
Outburn Magazine 46 by Dan Slessor


Anymore with Facedown Records, you know what you are getting; some form of quality Christian metal, whether it be the melodic death metal (War of Ages, A Plea For Purging), catchy poppy metalcore/hardcore (Take It back, Kingston Falls), or traditional hardcore (Call to Preserve, Sleeping Giant), and now we have Wrench in the Works (basically the new incarnation of Emmanuel 7), a more angular, stuttering yet punchy form of hardcore.
Culling from the likes of Converge, Zao, Symphony In Peril, Advent and such, WITW are a muscular, hefty act with lots of stuttering, jagged riffs and burly vocals. Not overly crazy of spazzy tech core, but certainly a restrained discordance and chaos. However, they do manage to inject a few moments of traditional hardcore melody and structure into the fray as tracks like "Our Time", "One Foot Out of Hell" and moments of "Faith is a Virus" break up things a little bit. On the whole though, a majority of the tracks are more abrasive, sharp edged tracks as the likes of "Dust Over Time Test", "Tonight Is War", "Pale Fire" rumble and lurch with the right mix of caustic energy and structure. "Loaded Gun", "Faith Is a Virus" and closing title track try to be a little more experimental with dashes of acoustic introspection and a more ambient graceful side that's fits the subject matter but seemed a bit sudden and forced amid the relative noise.
Aesthetically, Andy Mehl has a standard shout roar and the other two members ply their instruments with aplomb, however, the standout is the very, tight and ultra punchy production, especially the drums of Andy Nelson, who pretty much carries this record. But ultimately, it's still a record that's just solid and enjoyable rather than anything special, especially in such a crowded genre.
Now, what exactly is the Lost Art of Heaping Coal?
www.teethofthedivine.com


Being unique is hard. Sure, you can be out there and different, but soon someone else will be just as different, and you are no longer all that unique. I know it sounds ridiculous, but how many bands can you say are truly unique these days? Most of the bands that were unique when they started out have now been copied in bulk. It's hard to realize what is genuinely different and what isn't. Yes, I will admit that there are bands out there pushing boundaries in their respective genres, but the ratio of originality to unoriginality is very very minuscule.

For those who agree with my previous statement, you may have just found some new hope in Hartford's Wrench in the Works. It sounds hypocritical, but they do borrow some sound from the likes of Converge, Zao, and even Shai Hulud in some parts. However, it's what they do with the borrowing that counts. They are able to throw these influences into a blender and create something pretty delicious that tastes like nothing else you've had in a while. Well at least if you're me.

On Lost Art of Heaping Coal, which is the band's second effort and first through Facedown Records, the band establishes themselves as something special. Vocalist Mehl – who is also the only guitarist in the band, which is very impressive – sounds like a cross between an awesome hardcore punk singer, and Matt Ian Mazzali from Shai Hulud. His guitar playing abilities are very strong as well. Beyond his mastery of metal licks, he even incorporates some great acoustic layering into tracks like "Lost Art of Heaping Coal." And that is on top of the insanely catchy lead lines in "Brokenness." One listen through and you'll realize that he is a very well-rounded guitar player. The rest of the band is solid as well, which only establishes them as an act to watch in the hardcore scene.

While it is obvious who Wrench in the Works draw influences from on their latest disc, they are still unique in their own right. To be able to have an even remotely original sound in the metalcore scene is special enough. Unfortunately, it is almost a guarantee that Wrench in the Works will be in a pool of bands that sound exactly like them pretty soon. However, this reviewer will know who started it all, so until then, bid welcome to a relatively new sound in Wrench in the Works. The only plan of yours they'll ruin is the one that involves listening to unoriginal music.

--Logan Broger
www.decoymusic.com


Wrench in the works is a 3-piece Christian Metalcore band out of Connecticut. They have been previously called Groundzero and Emanuel 7. These guys are constantly touring the U.S. and even Canada to get their name out.

When I began listening to Lost Art of Heaping Coal I was dazzled by the sound these guys create while having merely three members. First off the drums, oh lord the drums. That is the first thing that really stood out about these guys. Their drummer is completely outrageous; he uses some of the most unique patterns that I have personally ever heard. Second the guitar and bass riffs. They are pretty unique sounding and have some pretty diverse sounds.

Alright so on to the actual tracks, now I must say my personal favorite track on this album would have to be "Tonight Is War." It is most deffinatly the most energetic track on this album. Once again the drummer came through right from the start on this track. It starts off with a really fast riff and double bass action and keeps attention throughout. It also contains an extremely sick breakdown. I would have to say this is lyrically the best song on the entire album as well.

Another song that I personally really enjoyed was "Faith As A Virus." It has a pretty cool sounding riff from the start and goes into a slower paced cleaner sounding part into a heavier part which I personally feel is the strongest part of the song. The vocals really did the standing out on this track more then anything. There is a really good balance of all the instruments in this track too.

"One Foot Out Of Hell" was another track that stood out on this album. It first really caught my attention by the powerful message that they have in this song. There is also a really good amount of suspense in this song leading up to heavier parts with melodic riffs and slow paced drum rolls. This has to be the most Christian song on this album too, which is why you can really tell this group of guys really care about their God the meaning behind why they are playing. The best part of this song would have to be the breakdown and it's beast feature would have to be the double bass and splash cymbal used by the drummer.

Now one thing about the album that I really didn't care for is some songs seemed to be dragged out. Also I feel that there was room for more diversity on this album. A lot of the tracks (besides the ones I mention) kind of all blended together. Also I felt the vocals could have been a little more diverse.

To sum up Lost Art of Heaping Coal, I would just like to say that this cd has some of the best drum work that I have heard in my entire life. That is the thing that stood out to me more then anything. Wrench In The Work is a group of very talented guys, and I must say this cd isn't a let down. The only thing was it lacked diversity. These guys worked their ass's off to put out a good cd and they achieved it.

*Written by: Danny Weiss*
Grade: 6.5/10
underthegunreview.net