22 Oct 2008 // A review by CEOMong
Solid, constantly surprising speed metal, some amazing talents at work here. Never a dull moment, there’s always something tweaky and epic going on, more often than not eliciting an awestruck admiring grin and headbang. I found myself cranking up the air-axe a few times, and bashing out some staunch rhythms on the desk – epic.
Beautifully constructed sound from all 5 band-members, a fantastically engineered balance – so much cohesive sound its hard to pick out any single element, but easy all at the same time. These guys have got to be seen live, I’ve always felt a CD is but a pale reflection of a bands’ performance, if so they could definitely be the best band you’ve ever seen. Outstanding album artwork, resplendent in reds and blacks – just another awesome thing about this awesome album.
Track 1 – Beneath the Veneer - deep tweaky riff to open, rapid double kick drums. Throaty vocals, fast-paced and heavy. Epic, boot stomping riffs throughout, I especially like the tweaky feedbackie bits in the chorus.
Track 2 – Say What You Mean - continues the rapid pace with some jangly animal feel madness, an awesome sounding track, I’m really impressed by the drummers’ endurance and skill – teamed up with screaming axes and howling bass, and always doing something different. Sweet.
Track 3 – Scars - more of a dropping, abrupt power riff at play now, before settling into some gold ole power metal. Amazing quick little riffs scattered throughout, enough to amaze and make you want more, bittersweet, as you know there’s more, but not quite like the bit you’ve just heard.
Track 4 – Broken - bit of a country theme to begin, all rawhide and horseflesh, dipped in molten metal … simmering towards a blistering crescendo of awesomeness.
Track 5 – Entrenched - another wicked awesome power ballad hook grabbing and feasting on your innards, teamed up with more fast-paced double-bass goodness and tweaky riffs – so much energy throughout this album its scary.
Track 6 – Carved and Created … - dropping straight into the middle of a power riff, continuing the theme and pace of the album. Very catchy lyrics.
Track 7 - … Vengeance - an almost gothic repartee to track 6 unleashes itself, very tricky and delicate axe layered over Tainteds’ dependable and staunch rhythm section and velvety gravel vocals.
Track 8 – Departed - bluesy axe hook draws you in to another epic tune, chock full of martial and grandiose atmosphere.
Track 9 – Bound By My Own - another fantastic tune, awesomely blending wicked double-bass and dextrous axe work.
Track 10 – Tyranny - a solid resounding final track, catchy short sharp riffs really get the head banging, digits tapping, and boots stomping. More impressive work, this is truly a fantastic piece of work – non-stop, right up the very last second. I want more!
Consider me Tainted.
CEOMong.