After hearing this collection of demos that were recorded between 1994-1995 prior to the release of Zero Hour, it shows me that this band really had it together musically prior to releasing any album. It also makes me wonder why so many Metal bands resorted to following "Alternative Rock" trends in the mid-nineties (hence when this material was recorded), these guys stayed true to the music obviously not giving a shit about the mainstream, whereas this should have been the mainstream.
Although I will admit that I have mainly heard these guys many times in passing, on various radio shows, I can remember them clearly, not to mention the fact that this is the only record I own by them, and the fact that I can remember them even by only hearing a few songs by them a few times prior to owning this means they are memorable, which is important for any band to get the point across to the metal audience (in fact I have been meaning to pick up a CD by them, but you know the story, we all get caught up with other bands).
These demos go beyond the whole simple four-track production, being polished but yet still having a few kinks to work out, but trust me, this demo sounds better than many of the finished products out there. Sounding like Early-to-mid period
Fates Warning (there is a cover of FW's "Silent Cries" on this album) with emphasis is on the guitars and songwriting, keeping the more down to earth side of Heavy Metal style present.
For a demo, the axe slinging is phenomenal, no note or riff is spared for simplicity sake, layer upon layer, solo upon solo, the arpeggios go beyond the embryonic "solo idea" stage to show total virtuosity. Such virtuosity is shown on songs like
"Tribal Fury" and
"Race with Time," well the titles in these songs should say it all. The drums sound sort of flat, almost like a midi trap set, but they too are played with precision. The vocals are reminiscent of No Exit-era Ray Alder, with the same wide range.
I was impressed needless to say, and I think if these guys do so well on the demo, just think of how all the albums sound. For fans and anybody alike, it shows the rawness of the band, but yet the rawness is not too raw to begin with, proving that these guys are naturals at carrying the Metal torch.
Now you must excuse me, I have to go out and buy all their albums.
Written by
Hashman Wednesday, June 4, 2003
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