Written by: Pete Brown
Band:
Title:
Release Date:
Shackle
Un-Shackle Me
22nd August 2025
Shackle are a four piece heavy metal band hailing from Kent in the South East of England formed in May 2023 by Wesley and Josh. Wes has previously been in cover bands playing the classics, and over lockdown started writing his own songs. Josh, a friend of Wes, was then brought on board and soon they were joined by Daniel and Stevie. Shackle’s song Lady Flamenco was inspired by Wesley’s time in Spain. Recently the band have undergone an overhaul with new logo and a new outlook on their music. Un-Shackle Me is their first EP under this new approach.
The first track on this EP, entitled Resuscitate, starts with pounding drums accompanied with the heavy rift of a guitar quickly added to by the rest of the instruments. One thing that’s clear is that the bass is not just following the rhythm, but is, in this case, creating its own way through the track. This track has an underlying pulse that can easily be described as someone performing CPR. The story behind this song seems to be from the point of view of a drowning person being dragged from the grip of a watery grave. Resuscitate blends the classic heavy metal sound and powerful lyrics that drags us kicking and screaming into this EP.
…a statement of intent from Shackle. We are here, we have found our sound and we are pushing forward…
Following hot on the heels of the first track comes the first song Wes ever wrote, Goddesses. This track has a slower paced start to it than the previous one. Opening with a simple guitar riff and joined by a classic drum beat as guitars become heavier. The drums naturally holds the pounding rhythm. The pace quickens about two thirds of the way through during the instrumental section of the song. There is the blend again of classic heavy metal and heavy rock with the powerful vocals cutting through. During this song we are praising goddesses, but which goddesses is for you to decide.
Closing out the EP is the title track Un-Shackle Me. This has a slower pace introduction compared to the first track. The pace picks up as we hit the minute mark. Wes’ deep vocal cuts through the instruments announcing the start of the vocals. The subject of this song could be the struggle to find oneself, whether this is creatively such as writers block or mentally as if trying to shake off our inner demons. We all have some sort of shackles holding us in some parts of our lives. It gives us the hope that ‘from the ashes I will raise’. A small but powerful lyric.
Overall this is definitely a statement of intent from Shackle. We are here, we have found our sound and we are pushing forward. This is an EP that will have you moving your head and will have all air drummers joining in. This is a good EP and is well worth a spin.
Shackle are:
Wesley Webb – Lead Vocals & Lead Guitar
Josh Smith – Drums
Daniel Myall – Rhythm Guitar
Stevie Sedge -Bass
Track Listing
- Resuscitate
- Goddesses
- Un-Shackle Me