Aquila-Demo 2
(Self-Released, 2008)

I was impressed with what I heard on the debut demo from this Canadian band but they have certainly stepped up quite a bit with their follow up demo. The band hits somewhere in between Lamb of God and All That Remains, but the band also brings in a number of interesting riff ideas. There is a rock vibe to some of the riffs and the overall feel of the demo is much more professional and rock solid.

While the style of the band might be completely new, the strength of the songwriting more than makes up for it. The songs, while still heavy, manage to be extremely memorable through creative riff ideas and a varied approach from song to song. The production is also much more solid this time around. In all honesty this sounds as good, if not better, than a number of albums released by bigger record labels these days. It's commendable that the band put so much effort into making the demo sound amazing.

If this demo doesn't lead to a record deal for the band I would certainly be surprised. This is a powerful, well written demo from a band that has a bright future. I suppose you could say Aquila are a metalcore band but they aren't typical of the genre. If you are a fan of rhythmic yet melodic metal or are a fan of Lamb of God or All That Remains this is a band you will want to look into. This is a band that could big things and it is only a matter of time before a label sees the potential this band has.

http://www.myspace.com/aquilametal

Aborted-Strychnine 213
(Century Media Records, 2008)

I've been a fan of Aborted since the band sent me their debut album The Purity of Perversion what seems like quite some time ago, The current sound of the band is far removed from the early sound of the band yet at the same time if you have followed each album from the band each consecutive album has shown the band growing in new directions. Strychnine 213 shows the band incorporating even more melody and what I guess you could call a modern metal influence as well.

The blasting is less frequent but the music is not missing any of the intensity. The rhythmic riffs are absolutely crushing and shows that the band has mastered playing different tempos to lethal perfection. The melodic lead work is reminiscent of Heartwork and offers a fitting contrast to the barbaric riffs on display. I'm sure some fans won't want to follow the band as they progress but this is such a meticulously written album that you'd have to wonder why they wouldn't.

While the talk of melodic leads and rhythmic riffs might make it sound like the album is lacking in speed, there are still plenty of fast sections to satisfy the speed freaks. A song like 135 combines all of the newer elements of the Aborted sound with devestating fast riffs to great effect. If you've been keeping up with the previous albums Strychnine 213 is a fairly logical follow up and a kick ass diverse metal record at that.

http://www.myspace.com/abortedmetal

Kill Your Ex-From Words to Motion
(Mediaskare Records, 2008)

Although the band name somewhat points you in a different direction, Kill Your Ex have certainly written a hard hitting debut album. With a melodic sound further reinforced by a much more technical approach than similar bands in the genre, the band manages to breathe new life into the melodic rock genre. That my friends is a very exciting thing.

What makes the band so effective is the interplay between the drummer and the guitars. The guitars are layered and incredibly dynamic while the drummer doesn't miss a bit throwing in interesting rhythms and excellent bass drum work. The vocals are a bit more typical of the genre but they do fit the music perfectly. The lyrics are also a bit on the typical side at times with the obligatory song about California being present.

The uncommon elements definitely outweigh the common with this album. Kill Your Ex are a damn good band that manages to write interesting and technically proficient music that is also memorable. Imagine a more restrained Fall of Troy and you'd have Kill Your Ex.

http://www.myspace.com/killyourex

The Messenger-Let's Get Dangerous!
(Mediaskare Records, 2008)

The Messenger wins points right off the bat for taking their album name from one of my favorite cartoons, Dark Wing Duck. They also win points for playing some excellent metal infused melodic rock that comes across a bit like Every Time I Die meets say a band like Armor For Sleep. Vicious at times yet always melodic, the band is downright infectious in its delivery. A Gondola Ride in Paris will be in your head for days!

The Messenger is not what you would really consider an original band. The band is indeed fantastic at what they do though. The songwriting is very solid and the band has firm grasp on making things catchy yet still interesting. I wouldn't call the songs complicated yet they aren't simplistic either. The songs are layered and are much more than just three chord rock songs.

This is a young band with a lot to offer and once word of mouth begins to spread this band is sure to be huge. Few debut albums manage to be this solid and the fact that the band makes it sound effortless is awe inspiring. If you are a fan of melodic and energetic music with hints of metal, The Messenger will supply the goods.

http://www.myspace.com/themessenger