Unrestrained!
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8 out of 10
Unrestrained!
Maelstrom are a mean and snarly power metal band, and they aren't afraid to keep things raw instead of sparkly on this short 3-song debut EP. The power genre these days is all about keyboard infestations and computerized solos, but here's a band that embraces a more natural aggression, something Blind Guardian used to do prior to Nightfall. There's still some huge differences though, first one being the vocals which are near deathly, only remotely sung and filled with mad contempt. The vocals also stand proudly in the forefront of the mix taking other parts out of focus. Second unusual thing is how Maelstrom scratch their way through some twisted solos. The imperfectness somehow passes off as something credible and with style, and I'm reminded for once that not all shreds need to be perfectly picked. Cool cover art too. I predict the T-shirts will sell too. -8- <RDO>
