Axes

Axes is a British four-piece instrumental rock group from London, England. Its music is described as sharp, raw instrumental rock, and it is associated with hardcore, math rock, doom and jazz influences.

History

The group is also connected with the name Mass. Under that name, it forms in 1981 and plays a pair of showcase performances in an effort to secure a deal with A&M Records. The label signs interest, and the band then records material at Criteria Studios in Florida with Tom Allom. The intended first album does not come out, after problems involving the manager lead A&M to put the release on hold.

Style

Axes works as an instrumental act rather than a vocal-led band, with a heavy, abrasive sound that sits across hardcore, math rock, doom and jazz. The material is presented as stripped-back and forceful rather than polished or melodic.