The opening drones of Ward XVI’s current single ‘At The Window’ immediately advertise something with a grandiose heart. This almost cinematic stance is perfect for the band, since it captures their huge sound in an instant, and when providing a massive backdrop for the verse’s more goth-tinged leanings, those keys sit naturally between a darkwave unease and an orchestral flourish, reminding listeners that this shock rock act doesn’t “think small”.

Despite a more traditional rock vocal taking centre stage, the number manages to retain the feeling of being far more than phoned in, retro charms. This is conveyed by an equally unsettling scattergun style delivery on the main hook, taking Ward XVI further from the realms of commercial sounding hard rock and melodic metal and into the wantonly theatrical. For those still listening at this point, the chorus is on hand to sell a great riff when a massive melodic crunch drives a mid tempo arrangement, whilst those keys counterbalance a genuine heaviness with tones that hark back to Tubeway Army’s groundbreaking sound. Bringing something a little more “trad” to finish, an equally big, soaring lead guitar brings a love of 80s metal to the fore, ensuring this bold workout has something to offer most metal fans.

‘At The Window’ is taken from Ward XVI’s full length release ‘Id3ntity’, which is released via Earache Records today. Check out the video below.