NEWBREED

Although NewBreed have been around since 1999, this self titled release represents a new beginning of sorts, being their first album for a major label (Metal Minds). Having been through a number of line up changes the band have settled down as a quartet led by co- founders Tomasz and Stansilaw Wolonciej, with Szymon Fiuk playing guitar and Jarosaw Gacek bass. For this album they are joined by guests Tomasz Lipa Lipnicki (vocals) and Wacek Vogg Kiełtyka (Guitar) on one track apiece.

NewBreed's ethic is based around heavy, guitar laden rhythms and strong metallic melodies. As such their music has a distinctive flavour that demands the full attention of the listener. Complex, off-beat rhythms and constantly shifting time signatures underpin frantic riffs and surprisingly diverse but melodic vocal patterns. Occasional softer moments are used to great effect, with even tracks such as the chaotic "The forever spring" incorporating a brief interlude section.

"When I admire the world" is an interestingly reflective number with thoughtful lyrics. As such, it contrasts well with its peers, in particular the identically long but diametrically different "After all this time" which follows. Just as things appear to settle down to a given style, the band surprise us again with the entirely acoustic "Another home in you", featuring only guitar and vocals.

It is hard to pin down the music of NewBreed. While clearly founded in an extreme form of metal, they are happy to draw in a range of influences from prog metal through to pop. While I have to confess that this is not a style of music which sits easily in my own collection, it is clear that much time and effort has gone into crafting this release. It is also apparent that the band have an individual and collective talent which is put to good use here. As such, "NewBreed" should appeal highly to those who enjoy this style of music.