Dark Veil Infected Earth
Oran Mor Productions MCD 2004
By Russell Garwood
Romford (Essex, UK) can do strange things to people. With ages ranging from just sixteen through to eighteen, Dark Veil are a young band, yet they play mature and heavy melodic death. I blame it on Romford
The music also shows distinct thrash leanings, forming a harsh concoction. Vocals that vary between harsh death growls, verging on the guttural, and far more black metal influenced scream act as a strong front to the music. Occasional singing is a nice addition, if in need of a little work. The guitars show both melody and extremity, being the thrashiest instrument in the mix. Strong riffs drive the music, and the rhythm work is tight. The drums are also precise, with good double bass work and regular blasts punctuating the performance. The bass is not so prominent, but supports the guitars well.
For a low budget release, the production is passable. The drum sound - in particular snare and kick - can be lacking, and the vocals are sometimes buried beneath the guitars, but for the most part the mix is clear and well-balanced. Infected is well worth checking out for death fans after up-and-coming young acts, as they dont get much younger (or up-and-coming) than this. Overall this is an impressive debut MCD. Good performances and solid song-writing suggest big things in the future for Dark Veil, and I look forward to hearing further work.
7/10
Official Dark Veil website
Official Oran Mor Productions website
Oran Mor Productions MCD 2004
By Russell Garwood
Romford (Essex, UK) can do strange things to people. With ages ranging from just sixteen through to eighteen, Dark Veil are a young band, yet they play mature and heavy melodic death. I blame it on Romford
The music also shows distinct thrash leanings, forming a harsh concoction. Vocals that vary between harsh death growls, verging on the guttural, and far more black metal influenced scream act as a strong front to the music. Occasional singing is a nice addition, if in need of a little work. The guitars show both melody and extremity, being the thrashiest instrument in the mix. Strong riffs drive the music, and the rhythm work is tight. The drums are also precise, with good double bass work and regular blasts punctuating the performance. The bass is not so prominent, but supports the guitars well.
For a low budget release, the production is passable. The drum sound - in particular snare and kick - can be lacking, and the vocals are sometimes buried beneath the guitars, but for the most part the mix is clear and well-balanced. Infected is well worth checking out for death fans after up-and-coming young acts, as they dont get much younger (or up-and-coming) than this. Overall this is an impressive debut MCD. Good performances and solid song-writing suggest big things in the future for Dark Veil, and I look forward to hearing further work.
7/10
Official Dark Veil website
Official Oran Mor Productions website
