2011 is such a refreshing time in Welsh rock music. When I was rock-loving teen you would barely hear mention of a Welsh rock/metal act in the national music press without a snide cheap jibe attached usually concerning a certain woolly mammal. In 2011 not only is Welsh rock music thriving but is currently ruling the roost with so much new talent waiting in the wings, which leads us to the debut, self-financed offering from Welsh five piece The Hotel Ambush.

After hearing this seven track beast it's hard to comprehend that these guys have only been together since 2008 such is the professionalism shown throughout.

Opening with the blistering 'Turning Tides' that sets the precedent for the remainder of the album, a contagious metal number that is as equally melodic as it is ferocious. A formula that continues throughout the album, favouring the winning style that is so popular in today's growing metal scene. The perfect blueprint that mixes the intense metal growls with a more melodious vocal style displayed by the deathly metal vocal style of lead vocalist Lee Newbold that is perfectly complimented from the more melodic vocal style of guitarist Adam Winstone that works to perfection.

My personal favourite number, 'No More Second Chances', is not only another perfect slab of metal but also features a great gung ho chorus featuring the band along with Dean Yandell. For anybody who wrongly accuses The Hotel Ambush of being a one trick metal pony may be forced to eat their words as they throw in a curveball in the form of 'Dreaming', a slow, brooding multi-instrumental number cowritten by Dirty Youth guitarist Matt Bond, proving there's a lot more to The Hotel Ambush that meets the eye.

Any eagle eyed viewers of Scuzz TV may have already witnessed their video for the track 'Bury Tomorrow' and after witnessing the said video myself I wouldn't have believed that the video was of an unsigned metal band from South Wales such was the professionalism on display.

Whenever I've reviewed self-financed albums by unsigned bands in the past their efforts have continuously been let down with a poor production; thankfully, due to the production and engineering skills of Martyn 'Ginge' Ford and Matt Bond from Newport's highly acclaimed Nott-In-Pill studios, The Hotel Ambush have created a fresh, polished affair that will hopefully bring them the attention they rightfully deserve.

The Hotel Ambush certainly gets a four star rating from yours truly. 

www.myspace.com/thehotelambush