CD REVIEWS

Solitary Mass - Second Wave

To be honest since I have started Legions I have had a good run of demos to review and this E.P. is one of the best CDs I have had through the post yet. This five piece from Leeds, have some serious brutality to offer.

First of all I was expecting a thrash band when the first song “Grieve the Living” began with a riff that slayer would be proud of, then as soon as the vocals kicked in there was a shock; this is not thrash but brutal death metal with a thrash influence. And brutal it is. I am not a death metal fan but somehow the vocals and the music mix extremely well and also sound very good.

The second track “Solitary Mass” reminds me of Dethklok. This is very different from the first song but there is some good drumming. I just can’t get Dethklok out of my head here. That can’t be a bad thing at all. This is 100% pure death metal with some good solo guitar work. Another killer song.

Next up is “Red Mist” This is the band’s chance to show how well they can play the guitar again showcasing some good solo work. Again the vocals are pure death unlike “One Fatal Promise” and “Forbidden Retreat” where they have thrown in a few black metal vocal elements in to the mix. Again these three songs are very solid.

Now for the last song “Darkest Leach” which is over seven minutes long. With vocals as stong as ever, and the guitar work much heavier there is something there which reminds me of early Samael in parts. However the end bit goes on a bit too long but don’t let it put you of the song.

I am not a death metal fan and your normal run of the mill death metal annoys the fuck out of me, but I did enjoy this CD and I think this is a band that will evolve beyond the death metal boundaries into something special and will make an impact on the Yorkshire metal scene.

David Heward