(Sworn) - Demo

(Sworn)

Demo

2010

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I'm consistently surprised by the promos that I receive, and this demo is no exception. (Sworn) is a progressive metal band from France that is definitely eccentric and singular in sound. They've quite obviously got some influence from bands like Opeth and maybe even Anathema, but have crafted with their demo a very unique album that displays a great deal of creativity and forward momentum.

(Sworn) tends to play a fairly slow variety of progressive metal that often drifts back and forth between soft acoustic sections and blistering double bass passages. Of the four songs featured here, only “Silent” falls under nine minutes. As you might imagine, this means that there's over half an hour of space to fill. You may then wonder if the band is able to fill this with enough interesting ideas and riffs to be worth your time. The answer is difficult but most generally yes.

Personally, (Sworn)'s demo is a bit too obtusely proggy for my taste. There are a number of interesting ideas, but they aren't fully explored before the band moves on. Do not take this in a negative fashion, because this was actually an extremely interesting listen for me, and these fellows obviously have a fair amount of talent. However, they sometimes lean a bit too far in the experimental direction. If you listen to the final song “Space”, there is a sizeable interlude that lasts for a couple of minutes which is comprised of scant drum beats, occasional guitar notes and chords, and a deep groan that repeats itself and gradually grows into hollow laughter. Yes, it is disconcerting and fits the title well, but it's easy to get lost and bored during this song.

Other than this, the songs are exploratory and certainly not redundant. What may feel like a lack of direction at times will be interpreted by those more geared towards this type of music as an experiment of musical and lyrical concepts. The vocalist adds to this feeling with his slightly gravelly voice which groans, weeps, moans, growls, and sighs its way through the four tracks in an extremely unorthodox fashion. (Sworn) certainly come off as an art-metal band in at least some small way because of their treatment of song structures and tonality. The album art looks like a watercolor splash, and is just like the music inside: deliberately vague and intriguing to the listener.

There's little wrong with (Sworn)'s debut demo, and while I didn't gain the sort of enjoyment that I do with some music, it has been one of the most deep and thick (while often remaining surprisingly simple instrumentally) listens that I've recently had the pleasure of enjoying. I recommend this, on the assumption that you're a fan of the bands that I've mentioned or other more unconventional progressive metal.

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The Protagonist's Rating: 7.0 out of 10

Please check out the band's Myspace page.

Hollowstone - Demo

Hollowstone

DEMO

2010

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Last spring I went to a show of local bands and Hollowstone was on the bill. I really enjoyed their set; the guitar players are accomplished shredders! The bass player thundered away and played the show as if he was in a arena, which I thought was cool, 'cause so many bands just stare at their feet. The drummer hammered the heck out of his kit, the lead singer has a smooth melodic voice, and at the end of their set they handed out their demo, which I happily accepted.

This demo is great. Every member of the band gets a chance to show off their skills, and there is excellent musicianship here. Even though the demo only has three songs, they're very different from each other, and really showcase the bands potential. If I had to single out a favorite, "Gypsy Song" would be the one. It starts off very slowly with percussion and a melody that has a North African/Middle Eastern vibe and slowly builds up until the end where the song is heavy and pulsating.

The only drawback (and I mean the ONLY drawback) is the production. As a fan, I can't really hold it against them since they are a new band and are in the process of developing a fan base. The songs would benefit greatly if they had the ability to spend oodles of moola on recording. This band, given the opportunity, has much to offer.

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Live Long and Rock Hard,

SpaceKev

Space Kev's Rating: 8.0 out of 10

Dawn of Valor - Dawn of Valor

Dawn of Valor

Dawn of Valor EP

2009

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Dawn of Valor is a five piece hailing from Saint Paul, MN. Sounding like a blast straight out of the 1980's, these fellows are playing in a well-established and very well-respected genre. I'm proud to say that they represent the scene well, and while this is pretty rough 'round the edges (as are most self-released demos/EPs), there's a whole lot of shiny inside.

First of all, Dawn of Valor has EXACTLY the kind of frontman that you need for this. Sean Iredale has a distinct and powerful voice that is not only masculine and potent, but relatively smooth and tonally secure. (something occasionally lacking in music like this). The screams that he utters are perhaps not on par with better established acts, but he makes up for it by being almost theatrical on these four tracks. The backing vocalists contribute a great deal as well, and more than a number of bands I've heard playing in the same style. There are some great shout-along sections throughout these tracks which make Dawn of Valor very appealing live.

Preaching metal law, brotherhood, and strength, the lyrics are just what you look forward to hearing. All this evangelism is of course provided with passion and a significant flair of guitar. The axe work on this EP is quite catchy and really pushes the songs along. "Devil Within" is perhaps the most guitar-driven track here, while "The Land" leans towards vocals and group shouts. "Fight for Our Lives" is a much different track which relies upon tempo and dynamic changes to establish itself (which it does proficiently), as well as illustrating Iredale's knack for theatrical singing in both his "swooping" vocals and the sung-spoken narration in the softer sections. The final song, "Comrades in Arms", climbs in tempo from the beginning and boasts some of the most accessible moments on the album.

There's definitely room for improvement here, as the group vocal shouts come off as a little weak at times. This could just be the mix, but they seem to be lacking a bit of cohesion. The drums also need a different mix, as the snare is almost irritating at times. While I prefer the guitars a bit more polished and prominent, this particular part of the mix is very true to the older feel that the band is searching for.

On the whole, Dawn of Valor bears the flag for their chosen style of music very well, and with an excellent original twist. While this isn't quite my favorite genre of heavy metal, it's growing on me, and quality local bands like Dawn of Valor are the catalysts.

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The Protagonist's Rating: 7.0 out of 10

Skyliner - Skyliner

Skyliner

Skyliner

2010

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Jake Becker from Floridian power metal band Skyliner asked me a couple of days ago to review his band's three-track demo, and I was happy to oblige given my recently provoked interest in small-time local acts. The entirety of the work from this demo can be found on the band's Myspace page, and I encourage you to give them a visit.

Brief though Skyliner's demo may be, it is deep and detailed, giving the listener a very distinct impression what the band is capable of, and what kind of sound they are putting out. In the case of this Floridian power metal outfit, the trend is a fast, driving brand of power metal leaning heavily towards the US school, yet incorporating a very hefty dose of melody.

As always, vocals are one of the most important aspects for myself, and in this band there is no exception to that rule. Jake Becker's lead vocals are feeling, though I find they have a certain wavering quality about them from time to time when he is reaching a bit higher. His voice is very strong in the low register, hearkening to mind one of my favorite harder power metal acts, Dark at Dawn. In the chorus of "Symphony in Black", the addition of grouped voices sounds very good and suggests the potential for some incredible group vocal work to come. In fact, anywhere in these three songs where there are layered vocals, it's a good feature. While I find Becker's vocals a bit weaker on "Vendetta", I actually think that they're rather good on the final song, a softer (mostly) emotional piece entitled "Aria of the Waters". Perhaps this is just the production or when the songs were recorded.

Production-wise, this is a demo, so not a great deal is expected. While certain parts are muffled and not mixed the way you'd hear them on a polished album, the lack of a glossy feel helps you appreciate the heart that these guys put into their music, which leads me to the high point of this demo...

Sweet mercy can these guys riff! "Symphony in Black" is one catchy lick after another, laid out in a pattern that creates a complex, winding, and profoundly enjoyable listen. "Vendetta" is no letdown either, beginning with an anthemic and triumphant guitar lead that plunges into a machine gun riff-fest that doesn't let up. The tasteful use of keyboards only makes this song more interesting and unique, rather than interfere at all with the skilled axe work. "Aria of the Waters", while less remarkable instrumentally, has the rare ability to keep me interested in a ballad, so the band is sure doing something right.

If you're a fan of local metal in FL, do yourself a favor and look up Skyliner right now. If you're one of those far-flung metalheads that enjoys peeking in on demos all over the country, this one comes highly recommended. With a good production job and tightening up of a few details, Skyliner could be a force to be reckoned with. Even in their current gritty state, these are some catchy, memorable songs that should appeal to anyone remotely interested in the genre.

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The Protagonist's Rating: 8.25 out of 10