Reviewed by David Cranson

This lot first appeared on a compilation called 'Raise The Dead", so they're not aimed at yir granny - unless she has the eclectic taste I've got. Then they popped up on the more easily found 'Hard 'N' Heavy" album. This is their debut album and doesn't have a European
distributor. This is a shame 'cause they appear to have improved since last year's 'Hard...' appearance. Very loud, very aggressive, but - melody? Yeah, melody. Vocalist Jared Murray still has the edge, the ability to make you sit up and read the lyrics, to find out what he's on about. Lyrically they cover a few topics - "Warcry" being fairly obvious; "Earthshaker" is based on references from Hosea 11:9 and 13:14; "Giver Of Life" praises God and looks forward to our eternity in HIS presence: "...I will abide with you at your throne... the Christ will reign/Glory sealed on high... so yearns my soul/To dance on lakes of glass..." The sound is reminiscent of 'Bloodworld' era Mortification. This isn't surprising as Steve Rowe produces it. It's called groove metal because - well, because it's GROOVY. Not just AAAR-RRGGGHHH! thrash. Different variations on every song and two instrumental tracks - quiet reflective types, spacious acoustic, with one having running water as well - there's also a bit of a surprise. Give this lot a try.

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