Requiem Blues – Requiem Blues EP

by Mark 'Yeti' Richard · April 3, 2025

Requiem Blues are a hard rocking power trio based in Liverpool, UK. They deliver fuzzed out bluesy vintage sounding proto-metal in its most raw and classic form. Their five track, twenty seven minute debut EP simply titled, Requiem Blues EP was released on January 29th 2025, on Helium Head Records. The band consists of Marc Glaysher on bass and vocals, Michael Kelly on drums, and Christopher Fillis on guitar. James Atkinson recorded the band and provided piano on one of the songs.

This album rips! “Frustration” opens up the recording with a flurry of bluesy guitar work accentuated by an illustrious heavy rhythm dynamic of ground shaking bass and rock solid drumming. The retro sounding music is stellar with the scorching guitar leads showcasing their fiery magic. The hard rocking grooves are a time capsule straight out of the early seventies. The vocals also have that unmistakable raspy melody that is so endearingly pleasing. Each instrument is prominently displayed in the mix and they are all jamming at full volume and capacity.

The second track, “Living In Fear” is another banger! The faster and dirtier sound is a fantastic expression in acid blues rocking fury. The bass lines are jogging all over the rhythm, enticing the guitars to electrify and really let loose. The storm stomping drums are blazing down the open road with reckless abandon. The six minute rocker has a nice nostalgic Blue Cheer meets Budgie romping that doesn’t let up for one second. It has just the right amount of fuzz and dazzling grooves throughout the track. The third song, “The Pressure” is another rhythm bomb ready to explode! The tight drumming and monster riffing are so fantastic. The guitars are wailing as the bass and drums hold everything firmly together. Midway through, James Atkinson lays down some beautiful keys that brightens everything up and adds a nice sonic layer to the already ravishing song. The track finishes off with some decorative piano playing to mellow things off as the tune fades out.

“Last Place I Want To Be” continues with the blues rocking assault. The up-tempo song has exquisite riffing and divine drumming to capture Requiem Blues in their most powerful element. Each rhythm shift corresponds perfectly with the riff before it and has a magnificent flow to the song. The band has these tracks dialed in to a “T”. The fifth and final track, “No Reason Why” is another classic sounding anthem of retro-bution. The jumping rhythms are spirited and energetic and the drum fills are magnetic on certain parts. The song boasts a grand slam standing finisher midpoint through and then erupts back into the grooving and funk-ified rhythm. The band continues to jam together with a hard rocking performance that ultimately ends three minutes later. The psychedelic guitar textures and killer rhythmic resonance from the gleaming bass and drums are pulsating and striking and really keeps the cadence in optimal drive. The throbbing sounds of blues driven rock are intoxicating. Requiem Blues has a way of hypnotizing the listener with their brand of illuminating and retrogressive rock. I really enjoy this recording and look forward to hearing more from this fantastic and talented band.