Definition
Gallows is the third studio album by the British hardcore punk band Gallows. It marks the band’s first full‑length release featuring vocalist Wade MacNeil, who replaced original frontman Frank Carter.
Overview
The album was issued in 2012 and is generally classified within the hardcore punk and metal‑core genres. It follows the band’s earlier releases Orchestra of Wolves (2006) and Grey Britain (2009). Gallows introduced a shift in vocal style and lyrical perspective due to MacNeil’s involvement, while retaining the aggressive instrumentation characteristic of the group’s earlier work. Critical reception was mixed to positive, with reviewers noting the band’s continued intensity and the impact of the lineup change on the album’s sound.
Etymology/Origin
The title is eponymous, directly referencing the band’s name. The term “gallows” traditionally denotes a wooden framework used for executions by hanging; the band’s choice of this word reflects its longstanding use of stark and confrontational imagery in both its name and lyrical themes.
Characteristics
- Genre: Hardcore punk, metal‑core
- Length: Approximately 40 minutes (exact running time varies by edition)
- Personnel:
- Wade MacNeil – lead vocals (first album with Gallows)
- Laurent “Laurie” Bell – guitar
- Stuart‑D B. Kirby – bass (credited as “Stuart‑D”)
- Lee Barr – drums
- Production: The album’s production credits list the band alongside an unnamed producer/engineer; specific details about the recording environment and production team are not widely documented.
- Track listing: The release comprises roughly a dozen tracks, featuring titles such as “The Bad Thing,” “What If I Were Dead…,” and “The Sound of the Fire.” (Full track titles and order are available in official release notes.)
- Themes: Lyrically, the album addresses topics typical of Gallows’ oeuvre, including personal struggle, societal disillusionment, and confrontations with authority.
Related Topics
- Gallows (band): The London‑based hardcore punk group formed in 2005.
- Grey Britain: Gallows’ 2009 album, the last to feature Frank Carter as vocalist.
- Orchestra of Wolves: Gallows’ debut album released in 2006.
- Wade MacNeil: Canadian musician, formerly of Alexisonfire, who joined Gallows for this album.
- Hardcore punk: A subgenre of punk rock known for its fast tempos, aggressive sound, and often politically charged lyrics.
Note: While the general release information and personnel are well documented in music press and official sources, certain production details (such as the exact producer and recording studio) have not been independently verified and therefore are presented without specific attribution.