No guilt, all pleasure—that's the vibe on Severance, the latest album from UK-based band Guilt Trip. These guys are bringing a raw, intense energy that feels both pissed-off and cathartic. Right from the opening track, it's clear that this album is fueled by a powerful sense of frustration, but it's also filled with musical depth that makes it worth digging into.

One of the standout features of Severance is the guitar work. The playing here is not only technically solid but also incredibly emotive, with moments that feel almost "churchy" in their heaviness and atmosphere. The guitars have a solid weight to them, even on the more stripped-back, acoustic tracks. Every riff and chord progression has a purpose, and it’s clear that the band knows how to use their instruments to convey both power and vulnerability. The drums, too, complement the guitars perfectly. They're punchy and tight, driving the momentum of the songs without overpowering the other elements. The rhythmic work is dynamic and energetic, offering more than just a foundation—it's another voice in the band's sonic conversation.

The bass, while providing a solid backbone throughout, only really gets a chance to shine on one track, where it delivers a heavy, throbbing presence. Unfortunately, it's often buried in the mix, and as a result, the bass lines become easy to overlook, which feels like a missed opportunity. That said, the production on the album is crisp and clean, ensuring that the individual elements come through clearly, especially the vocals.

Speaking of the vocals, the frontman has a really strong, technically proficient voice. However, this sometimes works against the album’s raw energy. At times, his clean delivery feels a bit too polished, almost sterile. While his vocal range and control are impressive, there’s a certain grit or emotional roughness that's missing, which can make some of the vocal lines feel a little flat. In moments where the music is screaming with intensity, the vocals can feel a touch too smooth, lacking that bit of rawness that would really drive the album’s emotion home.

In terms of the album's pacing, there is a noticeable shift as you move through the tracklist. The first half of Severance is solid but somewhat repetitive, with several tracks blending together in terms of tone and structure. However, around the midpoint, the band starts to experiment a bit more, and the second half of the album is much more engaging and varied, keeping the listener’s interest with unexpected twists in both musical style and mood.

Ultimately, Severance is a strong album that will definitely pull you back for a few standout tracks. While there are moments where the band could benefit from pushing their musical ideas further, the overall experience is a rewarding one, offering a blend of raw energy and technical musicianship that keeps things interesting.