AGAINST EVIL - Fatal Assault

October 2, 2015, 8 years ago

(Transcending Obscurity)

Mark Gromen

Rating: 8.0

review heavy metal against evil

AGAINST EVIL - Fatal Assault

Asia is the next big market for metal, both for touring, established acts, as well as the next crop of new faces. Hell, between China and India alone, there are more than 2.5 billion people! That's a third of the entire world's population and 8x the USA. In all honesty, with shrinking financial margins, labels can offer smaller deals to these kids than their Americas/European counterparts. Just an advance would probably put them to the top of the family's food chain. European mags have already reviewed Indonesian and Indian festivals, as well as welcomed a handful of acts on foreign soil. Against Evil are one of those trying to gain an international foothold, thanks to this infectious five song CD. Complete with 8-page booklet, containing all lyrics and one color, fists clenched, mouths screaming band photo, the dual-guitar foursome are definitely on the right track. 

“Battle Call” is a short, tasteful acoustic-laced intro, leading into “The Enemy Within”, a smooth voiced, mid-tempo number, complete with spirited (moments of waddling) guitars, falling somewhere between traditional and power metal. Living up to the billing, “Speedbreaker” begins with drums and more aggressive guitar, as the vocals opt for gruffer tones. The longest composition (4:57), there's time for increased instrumental embellishment and channel switching. “Wings Of Steel” sees a return to the smoother voice, with a punky urgency and pilot squawk box voiceover. At 2:51, it's the shortest offering. The feeling of invincibility garnered from being onstage (probably even greater in the developing world, overcoming increased obstacles) is the basis of “Bulletproof”, which sees both vocal styles employed. A grittier “War Hero” closes things out. Throughout, the musicianship is quite good and there's an amazing sense of melody (especially vocal harmonies) in these fledgling songs. Definitely one to watch!

 



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