AS WE KNOW IT

My friend John Davie's review of this new Aussie band caught my eye and I decided to have a listen. The five-piece outfit led by frontman Doug Skene released this EP in the summer of 2010 and a full length debut is slated for sometime in 2011. When I heard the vocals were in the James Labrie arena I started to worry a bit (not my favorite guy to put it mildly) but Skene's vocals stop short of Labrie's overbearing melodrama. In fact Hemina, who I imagine are often compared to DT in reviews and articles, have some of the positive attributes of DT without the Labrie factor or the over reliance on shred. The tracks are powerful metal indeed, with a nice heavy melodic chug, but have two nice diversions.

First, there are some nice breaks from the heaviness where piano and acoustic guitar are used to very good effect, and second are some spacey synths which add another layer to the sound. Sometimes the production gets a bit too thick during the heavier parts, but for the most part it is reasonably easy to hear the individual performers. The band seems to possess a good grasp of vocal harmonies and mixing "mood" into their heaviness, the "mood" of this EP seems to be an upbeat/positive one. Skene's solos are tasteful and pleasing, and the drumming is mighty without incessant blast. These are well developed songs that are really catchy and enjoyable without being trite. While I'm not exactly a huge metal fanboy by any stretch, I might have to check out this debut when it drops. This is a good, really fun EP that shows off a band with potential and passion. My advice is that they keep following those little sound diversions and interludes which bring their own personality to the fore, while enriching the songs.

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