Black Smoke Trigger is an up-and-coming rock band from New Zealand. They released their highly anticipated debut album Horizons, following their well-received EP Set it Off in 2019. This album includes multiple of their successful singles, such as “K.M.T.L,” “Proof of Life,” “Perfect Torture,” “The Way Down,” and most recently, “Sun Cries Red.” The band is known for their adventures and bold music videos, one of which features guitarist Charlie Wallace jumping off the edge of the tallest building in the southern hemisphere and playing a guitar solo while falling 630 ft.
This album was an unexpected delight. I can clearly see where this album came from, as they grew up with legends such as AC/DC, Led Zeppelin, and Metallica. Horizons is a rock album for the modern age that should not be overlooked. It is refreshing to hear and makes me feel nostalgic for the genre I grew up with. It is not often that a recent band can draw that feeling out, but I do think that Black Smoke Trigger nails it.
“The Way Down” and “Perfect Torture” are two songs I feel stand out. The guitar solo in “The Way Down,” paired with the overall melody and rhythm of the song, is what draws me to it. “Perfect Torture” has the perfect build-up that I think is lacking among other songs in the genre today. In the song “Promise,” you hear an instrumental that plays out to the end of the album, making it the perfect way to end this album. This album has something for everyone who enjoys a good rock song. It has the perfect release date with the end of summer right around the corner and into the moody months of fall.
The album is available to stream everywhere today!
You can listen to “Horizons” here:
