The word ‘underrated’ gets bandied around a bit. Around for a decade, this band has now released five quality albums, toured the world, supported some of the true luminaries of heavy music and generally carved out a very solid niche for themselves. That niche is, inexplicably, pretty underappreciated in their homeland however. Hopefully they can turn that around with the enigmatically titled ‘When the Circle of Light Begins to Fade’.
And why not, for it is a world class piece of work. Firstly, the songs are excellent. Dark, heavy and atmospheric in equal doses, with strong references to LED ZEPELLIN, PINK FLOYD and other 70s rock, and some subtle Middle Eastern touches adding further colour and interest to an already compelling and appealing sound. A full gamut of sounds and ideas are explored to their fullest here.
Secondly, the musicianship on show here is exemplary, especially the guitar work of main man Mark Kelson. Like his band, he is truly underrated in this country, the riffs are effortlessly catchy and the lead lines are melodic and blistering all at once. Drummer Marty O’Shea lays down the groove with muscular simplicity and intensity, and the rest of the band locks in, watertight.
Next, the production, courtesy again of Kelson himself, is spot on. Clean, clear and real. Characteristics that are often difficult to achieve. But achieve it he has, it strikes that balance between being very easy on the ears whilst still not sounding too digital or processed.
This album is a dark masterwork. It’s now time for Aussie rock and metal fans to step up to the plate in a big way, and give this band the attention they so richly deserve.
BY ROD WHITFIELD
Best Track: Circle of Light
If You Like These, You’ll Like This: LED ZEPPELIN, THE TEA PARTY, JERICCO
In a Word: Accomplished
