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http://www.quintessence.sh/reviews/?ReviewID=950
5/6
Maelstrom started out back in the late 80’s of the previous century and released two demos in 1989 and 1991. They didn’t get the recognition back in the day and folded. Now they’re back and with the 3-track promotional EP they’re trying to reestablish themselves as a band we should be aware of.
As I’m not familiar with both demos the band did I can’t tell if there’s any difference musically, but I do know that the songs on this EP were also recorded back in the day. From what I understood they’re part of a story that will be available once the band scores a deal with a label that is willing to put out Maelstrom.
What they deliver here musically is quite exciting as it’s a great mixture of technical death/thrash with a heavy power metal and some classical influences. The latter basically show through in the solos of guitarist Joey Lodes, who is an excellent musician. When you have to make comparisons to other bands you should think a bit in the direction of acts such as Atrophy, Fates Warning, and (early) Hades. So technical thrash but with a definite neo-classical power metal vibe to it. This New York band recorded at various studios in the US and had Tue Madsen mix and master it all. This results in a really fresh sounding EP that definitely has something to add to the current state metal is in.
I’m not sure whether any label already has shown some interest in Maelstrom but I can’t imagine these guys have to wait long before their album is out. This is simply too good to be left on a shelf gathering dust.
Pim Blankenstein
