Creating ambience is clearly something that Bastions are championing hard here – the album begins with a sparse, yet sinister intro track and each subsequent song features a lofty, echo filled build up to the main event. The vocals, despite their vitriol and aggression, ring out clear as crystal, feeling almost like a call to arms following the band's long hiatus.
Barely touching the 25 minute mark, Majestic Desolation is a brief flash of ferocity. But in spite of its shortness, it leaves a lasting impact long after the final chords have rung out. A most welcome return for one of British hardcore’s greats. Let’s hope they don’t leave it quite so long until the next record.
Verdict: 4/5
For fans of: Grieved, Vales, Birds In Row
Majestic Desolation is released on July 29 via Church Road