THE DRIFT - The Mountain Star

April 26, 2015, 8 years ago

(Independent)

Kelley Simms

Rating: 8.0

review heavy metal the drift

THE DRIFT - The Mountain Star

The Drift is a heavy metal export from an atypical place — Johannesburg, South Africa. It’s been a long and difficult road in the growing South African underground music scene for the quintet, but on its sophomore release, The Mountain Star, the band spreads its splendid groove-laden thrashy metal generously throughout its ten tracks. The Mountain Star is a concept album and part of a trilogy that doesn’t follow a conventional sequence. This album is part III, while their first album, Dreams Of Deluge was part II, and the yet to be recorded third installment is the prequel that serves as part I. There’s no lack of aggression or melody when it comes to the band’s songwriting prowess. They splendidly weave the two together, which creates an inviting presence. Almost every track utilizes a mid-song melodic break or blistering transitional riffs that adds a dynamic similar to Soulfly or Sepultura. Even vocalist Louis du Pisani possesses an aggressive Max Cavalera bark.

“Rise Morning Star” gets things started quickly with a romping, Soulfly/Sepultura-ish groove-based stomp, complete with screaming guitar leads, á la Andreas Kisser. The 8-plus minute “Dawn” begins with some pleasant acoustic guitar, followed by a churning pace and a tribal, Middle Eastern vibe with a dark atmosphere. “Under The Dead Tree” takes a nice turn by adding orchestral elements and female vocals to its dark, brooding tones. The rest of the tracks follow suit nicely as well. The Mountain Star is a solid, independent release that will hopefully gain the band some notoriety outside its native land.



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