The Brand New Heavies "Heavy Rhyme Experience Vol 1" (1992)

 

 

British act The Brand New Heavies try their hand at collaboration with rap heavy hitters of the era. Adding story driven rhymes to the mix, the Acid Jazz outfit come full circle on their Hip Hop persuasions that mostly shape up percussive loops with repetitious groove. The fit seems perfect, given the shared influences of Soul, Funk, R&B and Disco on both the bands style and young rappers parental music.

Working with a pre-Wu-Tang Clan Master Ace, Kool G Rap, Main Source, Guru of Gangstarr and legendary The Pharcyde, the band scoop up some top talent among other guests, each track receiving a guest act to layer in the vocal element. The band shape their slick Acid Jazz grooves into fruity, flavorful loops - lively, tailored with apt color and melody. Despite its organic nature, the performance stiffens, stripping out the opportunity for tangents, iterations or progressive leaning song structures.

 

Once a beat makes itself known, it sticks firmly, resting a lot of the music on its rappers who meld with the tone to various degrees of success. With such smiley, friendly instrumentals, its curious to hear Kool G Rap excellence on Death Threat. A strutting baseline and shimmering guitar leads add a soft gangster attitude to its tone. Kool takes it the rest of the way with fierce rhymes and aggressive energetic delivery.

Heavy Rhyme Experience Vol 1 is a competent listen, capturing the rap scene at the end of its Golden Era / Jazz Hop sound, right before big shifts in tone over the next couple of years. With quite a few weak performances and a lack of identifiable hooks, its served as a fun listen to plunder a couple of fun tracks from. Sadly wont have me returning for more, despite the disappointment, its a shame more crossovers like this haven't taken place in this era of Hip Hop. There was such potential here.

Rating: 5/10

State Azure "Stellar Descent" (2023)

 

 

This will be my last record for the year, a documentation of discovery. One for the "space music" playlist, State Azure caught my ear with a level of care worthy of attention. At a mammoth one hour forty five minutes, Stellar Descent plays as a astral mood setter. Carefully crafted compositions straddle between shimmering synths yawning in cosmic wonder and a digital counterpart of bustling, whirling synthetic instruments, skirting tuneful melody and conjuring echos of 70s electronica.

No compositions stood apart as distinct or memorable. With everything from its subtle mechanical percussive sways to melting galactic aesthetics serving its atmosphere, these songs drift by in a haze of temporal relaxation. Although structured with transitions and pivots, they flow by calm and understated. These instrumentals never lean into a hook or catchy tune but forge deep tones suited for the star gazing imagination. Excellent background music for focusing on a task of mental demand.

 

My time with Stellar Descent didn't unearth new ground or reach the emotional highs of a Dreamstate Logic. It was a familiar feeling, executed with class and care, finding the meditative balance I enjoy. Subtle by design and intent, I think this is a fair fit for anyone looking to add more to this type of niche listening experience.

Rating: 6/10

Boston Manor "Sundiver" (2024)

  

Exploring the many charms of 90s Alternative Metal, Boston Manor returned armed with exquisite execution over originality. Sundiver is a captivating record led by front-man Henry Cox who's empowered voice swoons in the emotional current. Pivoting from soft streams of emotive vulnerability to roars of clean confidence, he sings unabashed by the overt stylistic imitations of Chino Moreno. So to do his band mates revel in musical arrangements, groovy riffs and aesthetics pioneered by the Deftones. His other flattery emerges in catchy, tuneful deliveries like Oli Sykes of Bring Me The Horizon would do, these two personalities define much of his vocal presence.

 Its all taken in wondrous stride, every track tightly wound, a perfect fit of elements. Broken up by interludes exploring dreamy acoustics, Ethereal Drum n Bass loops and perusing baselines, its main songs are given space to breath in these intriguing lulls. Venturing into Shoegazing guitar aesthetics and mammoth Nu Metal adjacent grooves, Boston Manor navigate their inspirations with class, birthing fiery songs with inviting passion and emotional resonance to engulf. The whole affair is breezy, warm and uplifting as swells of aggression are vented with positivity. Its definitely a contender for best Metal album of the year! I've struggled to put this one down.

Rating: 8/10

Fred Again.. "Ten Days" (2024)

With humble heart and introspective tone, Fred Again.. centers his emotive themes around cherry picked intimate moments. Crafting hypnotic drones, warm and inducing, this Progressive House journey persuades one with its smooth ebb and flow, an organic sway of dreamy intensities. Routinely soothing its way through gentle lulls of calm, the returning blissful swells of energy play to much gratification. Grasping one with the power of rhythm and repetition, a therapeutic experience often emerges.

 

The instrumental architecture is impressive. Steadied by sturdy drum grooves, cliche House pianos and pounding baselines drive the music forward. Subtle, intricate sounds linger between gorgeous reverberations, Ethereal tones and ambiguous voices drift in from the musical backdrop, enriching those words expressed upfront, often lingering on a simple motif, exploring its depth through a songs dynamic arc.

The topicality feels personal, vulnerable, a humanist exploration. Geared around relationships and innate social experiences, a youthful vibrancy emerges from the moments of intimacy explored in its lyrics. Its mostly channeled through his many guests. They voicr nine of these ten songs, with Fred lending his own tender performance for the percussion-less melancholy of I Saw You. It gives each number a unique human aesthetic. Anderson .Paak being a surprise fit I would not of expected.

A variety of flavors and moods lay in wait. Ten Days never repeats itself, playing fresh and vibrant with every spin. The particulars of ones own mood will relate to its differing emotional avenues. For me, the joyous upbeat swells felt in Places To Be and Glow are firm favorites. Peace U Need plays a close contented, often persuading one to its charm with a spiritual union of classic House and Soul tinted by a touch of Gospel.

Despite this apparent excellence and heartfelt sincerity, Ten Days doesn't always engulf. Perhaps its susceptible nature requires room within for the emotions its exudes. Powerful but particular, its shortcoming lies in an ability to transform ones own energy to its frequency. On that ground, there were times I world spin the album and feel distant. On the right days, its beauty would flow effortlessly. This experience however, might simply be my own misgivings. A memorable record none the less.

 

Rating: 7/10

Slowdive "Kisses (Remixes)" (2024)

The highlight of last years Everything Is Alive was undoubtedly Kisses! A warm, dreamy track, serine and blissful in its innocent Shoegazing goodness. This EP stitches on three similar length remixes. Surprisingly, they do a decent job furthering the magic of this song. An opening electronic mix trades in walls of Ethereal noise for classic sine wave pulses, a stripped back rendition adding retro flare to the music.

Daniel Avery's remix drops in a pacey Drumstep loop to energize the temperament with stealthy Liquid Drum & Bass vibes. Additional glazier synths accompany too, replacing vocals for the songs later half. A collaboration with Ambient legends Grouper claims the highlight. Dialing up its rumbling ambiguities and retreating percussion entirely, the music becomes washed up in a haze of reverberating clouds.

Ending with the original composition affirms its excellence. Somehow spinning this over a handful of times doesn't tire such a beautiful song. Totally worth a listen if you vibed with it in any capacity. I would however critique a lack of daring to stride in search of new terrain. These remixes played it safe and straightforward, which works.

Rating: 3/10

Last Wishes "Organized Hate" (2022)

 

 

Conjuring echos vague echos of 80s Crossover Thrash and 90s Alternative Metal, Last Wishes play classic beat-down Hardcore with a familiar flare. I'd avoid baiting nostalgia but all my points of reference reach back to bygone eras. This production packages the music convincingly, feeling as if it would fit snugly into a glorious 90s.

 

Armed with throaty shouts, softened guitar distortions and plenty of percussive groove, the aesthetics achieved greatly compliment the music. Gang shouts, two steps rhythms and routinely dropping into half-time all accompany on this feisty ride of channeled anger. The usual topics of loyalty, self empowering attitude and social frustrations get vented through the unchanging scream of front man Corin.

All these tropes may sound antiquated but Last Wishes execute this vision with an arsenal of competent riffs fit for purpose. Its an endearing record, reaching for a specific inspiration and finding it. No remarkable peaks are summited yet it holds its tone firmly for the twenty six minute stint. I happen to be quite keen on this arrangement, it routinely reminded me fondly of classic records from my youth.

 

Rating: 6/10

Graywave "Dancing In The Dust" (2024)

 

Stepping forth from Rebirth, another six-track EP lands Graywave in their darkest territory yet. Dreary in tone, dismal and bleak, these melancholic songs explore downtrodden sorrows in a stormy, engulfing resonance. Recycling a now familiar formula, each song sways from eerie Shoegazing acoustic melodies into a swell of blissful noise. Euphoric in relief from woe, these eruptions remedy the graven, haunting tunes that proceeded. Both halves play infectious, a gripping concoction.

I've binged lead single Blur Into One beforehand, Its my favorite Graywave song. Jess' spellbinding performance sucks one in along its cathartic descent from dreamy origins. These other tracks fit snugly around it. Cycle's depressive demeanor marks a perilous plunge, a challenging ride as this shadowy beast finds its darkest corner. Dancing In The Dust amps the energy, deploying a rock steady beat to twist tristful tones into a surreal uplift. A derivative on their blueprint that plays luminous and bold.

That experimentation might be a way to move forward. This obvious formula has done wonders so far yet may eventually run its course. Stitched on to the end of Dark Spell plays a distorted, glitching beat. Its reminiscent of New Order's classic Blue Monday. Utterly inconsequential, yet could possibly hint at something afresh to come?

Either way, this works right now and the aesthetic is engrossing. Calmer spells deliver twisted melodies, beautifully intertwined with feedback and shimmering noises. Its heavy halves plunge with devilish bite. Bass rumbling, distortion guitars swelling and possibly some crafty synths amass into lunging sways of delightful yet burdensome bliss. Jess' sorrowed, sailing voice and damaged lyrics tie it all together.

Rating: 7/10

Bring Me The Horizon "Post Human: Nex Gen" (2024)

 

Five years on from the opinion dividing Amo, a diverse yet trendy leaning record, Bring Me The Horizon return again to the cutting edge of catchy, tuneful Metal. We got a whiff of this feisty spirit on preceding EP Survival Horror. The Post Human series continues in aggressive glory as the group nail down a solid set of songs, remaining intense and lively while skirting edges with Pop Rock melodies and Post-Hardcore creativity. Weighty sonic riffs and the mania of glitchy frenzied synths in its extremes, yet gracefully swaying into the arms of Pop sensibilities through Ollie's knack for catchy, ear worm choruses that hook into the vulnerability of your personal emotions.

Lyrically, the theme continuously hinges on negative internal dialogs, spinning the words of self doubt and inner turmoil into anthemic sing-alongs. These songs pair their tuneful inflections with words for strongly palatable emotions we have all experienced. Its cathartic, yet hollow. A spin machine twisting hurtful self talk into spirited release yet little of matured substance lies below the surface of these catchy cadences.

Originality is always a curiosity with Bring Me The Horizon, a line can always be traced elsewhere, some echos, obvious or vague, to other bands and genres. Although a favorite song of mine, Limousine blushes in its naked Diamond Eyes era Deftones demeanor. Even Ollie sings to Chino's tune as the low-end guitars crunch and peruses with the lunging gravitas of Steven Carpenter's definitive style.

Many other influences make themselves known too but ultimately this record boils down to song writing, which they have lock and key. As always, these musicians know how to forge musical ideas into apt structures that revel in their merits. Each song feels fully realized as riffs, melodies and hooks land without fail. Their unconventional side shines bright too, the OST interludes breaking the flow for spicy deviations.

Aesthetically, density is a delight. A tight production bordering on wall of sound, as guitars often get lost in the weave of electronic noises. Glitchy bursts of color and vibrant synths intermingle, deepening the experience as its pivots and transitions invite a flavorful diversity steadily becoming more frequent in modern Metal. For me, this is an unsurprising assemble of many proven ideas wielded to their Pop Metal writing. Its nothing they haven't done before, the true test will be how long these songs will stick around for. I have a feeling this ones got a handful to go the distance.

Rating: 7/10

Horsebeach "Things To Keep Alive" (2024)

 

Befitting of its mellow breezy aesthetic, Things To Keep Alive navigates through soothing, strolling tempos keen on a dissecting introspection of ones present situation. Direct and unambiguous, Kennedy's lyrics warms the heart ache and pains to the positive powers of reflection. Its felt instrumentally first, a steady current sails buoyant, soaked in the glow of effortless sunny skies. The tang of surfing guitar licks over simple drum grooves croons in gentle optimism. Whimsical melodies and softly Ethereal reverberations anchoring a little melancholic sour with the sanguine sweet.

Occasional chirpy synths and stiff 808s add an enjoyable quirky disposition to the dominant temperament, which across these ten tracks treads familiar footings. A couple of songs toy with subtle build ups, calmed climaxes and fuzzy distortions but mostly its an easy breezy affair to mercifully manipulate your mood. Pure Shores stood out, immediately giving me a sense of nostalgia. Convinced it was a cover, I was reminded of the All Saints hit I heard plenty times over in my youth. I liked that one but seems dulled in comparison to the life Horsebeach breathed into it.

Rating: 6/10

Wargasm "Venom" (2023)

 

With refined stylistic focus, Wargasm return, honing in on their own antagonizing identity. With additional ferocity, the spirit of a Nu Metal revival is in the air. With Venom, a consistent streak of Gold Cobra era Wes Borland guitar riffs guides their Electro-Punk mania to gratifying bursts of aggression. The duo strip out the genres tired downtrodden spirit, infusing it with obnoxious club drums, dizzying studio manipulations and generalized chaos. Underpinned by an enthused energy fit for the stage, most these cuts play with visions of them tearing it up in front of a lively crowd.

Fred Durst shows up for a massive, bouncy collaboration, making influences clear and known. Its a fantastic endorsement. These big riff songs tend to be the standouts. A string of early tracks lacked these guitar elements and it didn't land the same. When the unhinged rage and jilted grooves collide, this pair are in their element. Later in the record the metallic side gets explored in varying intensities to great enjoyment. I've enjoyed Venom immensely but I'm keen to see them mature and take these ideas further.

Rating: 7/10

Applefish "Luminous" (2023)

 

This third of three leaves me with less to remark but Applefish has caught my attention and made it onto my coveted Temporal Focus playlist. Luminous is a lighter companion, less suggestive of its theme despite the track titling signaling intent. Lofty ruminations suspend animation and linger within a sparkling display of apt synths and familiar ambiguities. Each song is a flavor of calm, occasionally drifting into serenity.

 A couple of tracks offer some curiosity and mystique but nothing dramatic. The opening Star Trails is my favorite, taking the slow elongated swell of these synth arrangements and gracing them with a looping melody that drags the soundscape reluctantly over a powerful yet subtly delivered chord arrangement. This level of craft seemed lacking elsewhere but each song works with a different energy.

Rating: 5/10

Applefish "Astrosat" (2022)

 

Had I not discovered Pale Blue Dot first, I may have passed up this record. Release prior, Astrosat is milder affair, another set of Cosmic Ambience pieces that dwell on their initial offerings. Soothing, calm and tranquil in nature, its album art suggests a peaceful surrender to the stillness of orbiting a planet. Spacey synths, airy ambiguities and softly droning astral melodies, these arrangements revel in the present and persist with little in the way of dramatics. Snoozey by design, these peaceful ambiences seduce with slumber, a sense of ease and remaining present.

The closing Primordial Soup and Particles both liven up. Mechanical percussive whirls and expansive synth melodies, a hastening of pace that exits this serene setting on an obscure note. Only Into The Aether toyed with unease and tension. Its slight eeriness is a delight, as if on the cusp of curiosity that might suddenly sour. It was my favorite among these stellar temporal tunes. I'm glad I gave this one a go!

Rating: 5/10

Kyros "Mannequin" (2024)

 

Is this our first heavy hitter? An obvious contender for my album of the year, Kyros deliver on an enticing Esoterica teaser. All three tracks our found nestled snugly among this lively set of exuberant songs bursting with colorful energy. After a quaint, folksy introduction - reminiscent of classic Prog Rock acoustics, the album roars to life with Showtime. Steel drums rapid a melody suggestive of time passing by, in chimes a big aggrandizing tune fondly reminding me of Genesis in the late 80s and one by one the instruments pile in. Grooving baselines, bustling drums patterns and dazzling keyboard leads paint a theatrical thunder birthed in cheese decades ago.

Kyros however, embrace this bold, tenacious execution of punchy note-to-note refrains and execute them with stunning swagger. Each track brings flavor and distinction, their commonality an undying dexterity of craft that fleshes out many sections with animated instrumentation. That's not to suggest the record doesn't have its timely lulls and respites. The balance is wonderful, a fruitful execution of ideas.

Ghosts Of You has become my standout track. Again the 80s reign supreme with big grinning melodies. One could re-imagine this as an ear worming theme song from a daytime television show. Again, executed with class, the lyrical tone and cadence chimes with its punchy percussion reminiscent of Michael Jackson's Bad. Its a common theme for the record but this modern vibrancy invigorates these old themes.

Its final two songs take a subtle departure, focusing on big metallic stunts between more middle of the road arrangements. Although great entertainment, the increased aggressive might, reminds you of a coming end to the session. Not a blemish but observation as that 80s cheese I'm so fond of gets stripped back. This foursome are awsum and I'm not surprised they have pulled together such a strong cohesive album.

Rating: 9/10

Applefish "Pale Blue Dot" (2023)

Another champion of Spotify's algorithm, Applefish's astronautical perspective immediately captivated my attention. One for my Temporal Focus playlist, these reflective droning ambiences contrast shimmering Ethereal tones with earthly sounds. From footsteps dragged across a beach, to trickling water or the chirping of birds, most these songs pair natural scenic impressions within suspended swells of lofty ambiguous synths that cast a memorizing calmness from even its tense outings.

 

The aura is impeccable, soft bass rumbles and airy voices drift through its drifting formless presence. Melody is absent, notes arise, groan and sink, yawning on temporal stretches. From dramatic to soothing, these captivating swells all conjure emotions fit for the overview effect its title suggests. Only its final track Return To The Tribute induces a cycling electronic melodic tune, which beaks the magical balance as it sees the record out. Pale Blue Dot has a powerful introspective spell to fall under.

Rating: 7/10

Little Simz "Drop 7" (2024)

 

Simz' output is already steeped in creativity. This EP series serve as a niche place to drop any variety of flavor and this seventh installment arrives in shapely form. Working with producer Jakwob, the pair unleash a hypnotic current of cultural instrumentation, conjuring suggestions of Spanish, Mexican and Latino music with selective percussion sounds. Arrangements flow with sharp rhythm and lean bass thudding, fitting for club vibes. Atmospherically sparse, the music feels open and minimal yet the drums shuffle and snap on dense arrangement of complimenting chromatic textures. Its simply slick.

Fever reinforces this cultured embrace, rapping a verse in Portuguese. Mood Swings affirms the club beat as the songs motif drifts through an exploration of escaping into night life. Other lyrics also hint on a therapeutic angle, the music being a means to vent life's frustrations and difficulties, although I didn't dive to deep into them. Drop 7 represents a lean fifteen minutes, one of fruitful creativity that may be a stepping stone to a fresh chemistry. Sim'z masters this new dynamic tone just wonderfully.

Rating: 5/10

Wargasm "Explicit: The Mixxxtape" (2022)

 

Despite grinding out familiar roars of disgruntled anger, this rebellious, antagonistic duo known as Wargasm, might be one of the fresher breaths of air circulating in a stale Metal community. Underneath its chaotic veneer, the fundamentals may have more in common with the likes of The Prodigy and Aggro-Tech. A constant barrage of unsettled, gritty noise pummels through lively drum machines, sharp distortion guitars, rabid screams and screeching electronics. A fun jumble of unabashed offerings.

 The opening explanation of an all too obvious pun the name is feels redundant. The following five tracks never let up on its ceaseless energy. Gristly lulls and melodic breaks feel like soft dressing for the next moment of madness. Fiery outbreaks of crammed aesthetic erupt on every track, gratifying ensembles of noisy oddities and groovy riffs to latch upon. Tinged with hints of Rap and Nu Metal, its my cup of tea.

The pair do all production themselves. Either an individuals vision or fruits of bouncing ideas of one another, the chaotic webs of wrangled aesthetics they weave are wonderfully unhinged, yet latch onto something that clicks most of the time.

Matlock provides the consistent barrage of angered shouts. Way is a touch understated as an effeminate yet mischievous counterpart. Her presence is similar to Poppy and when in a melodic passage, offers an under explored dimension of their partnership. Wargasm are exciting, this short release is a decent appetizer.

Rating: 5/10

Fred Again.. "Actual Life 3" (2022)

 
Actual Life 3 plays like an emotive snapshot of life passing by. Plainly titled in full with assumed start and ending dates, the candid selfie cover continues a trend in this series. Its an unambiguous touch to illuminates its personal nature. A social intimacy flows, human voices woven into these compassionate expressions, channeled through a dreamy endless night, intoxicated on the club floor. Slick Downtempo, danceable, rhythmic drives power us through warm Ethereal melodies and uplifting nightly energy. Snippets of casual conversation and private exchanges flicker between tender voices singing on relationship struggles with positive resolve. This all feels like a harmonious reflection of Fred's life, illuminating the human connections.

With a steady and gradual building of instrumental intensity, he steers these songs on an organic flow, never static, always inching towards the next subtle shift. Most songs find a swooning swell to amp up the rhythm to a predictable lively climax, yet always gratifying. Its gravitas is one of escape, a seriousness lingers in its mellow passing demeanor. Tensions unwind, providing release and resolve, lingering on a social maturity. Its forty minutes pass an effortless breeze. Fred never overplays his hand and keeps both mood and groove consistent, leaving all its varying degrees of intensity in anticipation of what flows next. Actual Life is one heck of a breezy listen...

Rating: 7/10

Graywave "Planetary Shift" (2021)

Enthralled by Rebirth's swelling descents of darkly Shoegazing magic, Planetary Shift has lingered in its shadow like an egg ready to hatch, not yet finding a final form. Fortunately, I've gotten past this notion. These five tracks are further from the dense, engulfing aesthetics of its successor, they reside closer to the "traditional" Ethereal, Shoegaze, Dreampop soundscape. Crooning in the sombre resonance its shimmering guitar chords echo, each song runs a dreamy trip, usually steering into a familiar distress, yet exploring uplifting phrases too, like on the opening Dreaming, which gleams with a kind warmness. The following Swallow toes the line with soaring ascents to glory before a dreary, distant title track sets up its final two stints.

 

The arch peers into darkness on conclusion, as Like Heaven's catchy chorus bleeds a sombre melody to hint at its closing struggle, which Before delves into. Bringing back that alluring engulfing darkness heard on Rebirth, It is perhaps the catalyst for Jess' natural progression. After establishing its verse chorus loop, the later half ignites with a ferocity as she dials the soaring vocals to another plateau. The music swells, riding its decent into a the void. Stunning music, which again starts from a brighter place. This side has much merit but I find myself magnetized to the darker expressions.

Rating: 5/10

Graywave "Rebirth" (2022)

 
Illuminating attention with an engulfing dreary charm, Graywave, brainchild of Jess Webberley, intensifies their dense Shoegazing Ethereal haze with bustling over drive guitars that swell and shimmer in flushes of bleak beauty. The instruments roar with inviting texture, baselines rumble, showing cracks and grooves, the drums strike with piercing clarity and crispness. Around them a glory of sombre tuneful sounds ripple and shimmer in waves, losing themselves in copious echos and reverberations.

Crudely Dream Pop, oddly catchy by design, these illustrious melodies lure one into its haunting spell. Each track casts its bait, then reels one into thick, heavy surges of descending imminence. Emotions suffer dark and burdensome, yet glimmer with soft introspection. Often feeling like a cathartic release of internal demons and personal grievances that run deep. Its stunning how each song sways in and out of this radiant hell, retaining its alluring colors and selling one on its shadowy descent over and over.

The magic ingredient is Jess' voice who has stunning softness in strength, her gentle tone can ascend and roar with the swells of instrumental gravity beneath her. Its a stunning chemistry from a multi instrumentalist honing in on a purity of self expression. Five fine songs, with the opening Build a masterful ear-worm to binge. This is about as heavy as Shoegazing gets before you call it Metal. To my ears, its akin to Autumn's Grey Solace on steroids. Absolutely loved this, Ive found my next journey it seems!

Rating: 6/10

Ghosts Of Atlantis "3.6.2.4" (2021)

Following up on the competently executed yet mediocre Riddles Of The Sycophants, this debut record managed to grab more of my attention. Despite seeming a touch raw, its Melodic Death Metal leanings and keyboard driven symphonic elements play to its strengths. The latter coming as complimentary flare to primarily Metal songs that navigate the usual array of tropes with an overcast, stormy demeanor.

This metallic temperament allows for strings and orchestration, often muzzled by the guitars, to suggest a mystical swashbuckling theme. Songs feel frantic, at the mercy of howling winds, ocean waves and unending winds. Strip its symphony out and this could be an atypical Metal record for many stints. 2.6.2.4 frequently drops in with big riffs, stomping grooves, galloping chugs to steal the show from its watery theme.

Between it all, heathen clean vocals erupt with surges of epic intent that don't land with the gusto bands like Dimmu Borgir do. In the mid ground were aggression is subdued, a handful of symphonic melodies sway, mostly second fiddle to a rhythmic march, never a key focus. Its as if keys were written second to everything else.

As such, the songs rarely play with consistency but have moments that leap out. Halls Of Lemuria, The Curse Of Man, Poseidon's bow all leap out with roaring riffs not exactly inline with the usual template. In their infancy, this band had writing strengths that didn't fit their intended direction it seems. A curious listen, entertaining, energetic and fun, bustling with an energy lost in a better produced follow up.

Rating: 6/10