Now over a decade since coming together, Welsh band Those Damn Crows has established themselves as a premiere Hard Rock. Possessing a sound that is anthemic, heavy, and full of hooks, in truth, it is stunning to think their brand of Rock-n-Roll has not earned them more traction in the North American market.
Concentrated on the European region as a key act a part of Earache Records roster, Those Damn Crows found success with their 2020 sophomore album Point of No Return (peaking at number 14 on UK charts), as well as 2023’s Inhale/Exhale (which made it to number 3 on UK Charts). It is not a small accomplishment, but the band has stood toe-to-toe with major label acts (Pop and Rock) and continues to attract attention. Garnering so much praise for 2023’s Inhale/Exhale, they even re-released in 2024 as an expanded edition, which included acoustic recordings of their songs “I Am” and “Set in Stone,” a piano version of “This Time I’m Ready,” plus more.
Arguably Europe’s best-kept secret in Hard Rock, Those Damn Crows also put out the brand new high-energy single “Let’s Go Psycho!” in June 2024, before the end of the year, with others like “Glass Heart” and “Still.” Flowing into 2025, they also unleashed “No Surrender” in January and “Dreaming” in February. All pretty strong tracks that show the band’s passionate approach have not faded; now they unleash their next full-length album called God-Shaped Hole.
Available as of April 11, 2025, through Earache Records, God Shaped Hole marks Those Damn Crow’s fourth studio album and finds the band digging even deeper into their souls to write some great modern Rock. Finding inspiration in life, interacting with others, and yearning to find purpose in it all, it is imperative to understand that Those Damn Crows are not just slapping songs together.
You see, like all of us, Those Damn Crows (Vocalist Shane Greenhall, Bassist Lloyd Wood, Drummer Ronnie Huxford, Guitarists Ian “Shiner” Thomas and David Winchurch) have faced personal heartache and loss. With the consciousness of just how precious time is and trying to use it wisely, with God Shaped Hole, there is a spiritually uplifting sound that is hard to overlook. Always prone to write and record huge Rock songs, the ten selections that make up the new album are no different. However, what is different is the scope of sounds the band looks to bring listeners.
In short, you have those with a more melodic Pop Rock tendency, like “Dancing With The Enemy,” “Glass Heart,” and “Dreaming,” but also some high-octane heavy rockers like “Let’s Go Psycho!” and the not-to-be-missed “Turn It Around.” Joining these are the beautiful “The Night Train” and “Still,” which leave you with emotions you cannot shake.
Tapping into something special, Those Damn Crows not only continue to rock hard but offer even deeper introspective than ever before. Amplified by Greenhall’s passionate singing, he bears his soul; you can feel each word sung with an ear-tingling effect. Listening to an album like God Shaped Hole reminds you what it means to be alive, fight to live another day, and make the most of it all. A modern Rock album with soul, Cryptic Rock gives Those Damn Crows’s God Shaped Hole 4.5 out of 5 stars.
){kind=link}
No comment