Humanity When Silence Calls
Carbon13 Records September 2004
By Russell Garwood
Humanity are a young band from the UK. Unusually for their age, they play an original and evocative mix of styles. Thrash influences are apparent, while some moments are pure prog. Add some power metal-isms and subtle but pervasive doom leanings, along with more extreme touches, and you have an unusual sound. A difficult mix, you may think, but When Silence Calls shows just how well it can be done.
The rhythm guitar work is unadulterated thrash, with chugging yet melodic backing, while the lead work can recall power metal at times. Always melodic, Steve Wallace and Richard Halls axe-work drives the sound, with tight and diverse performances. Above this the singing of Simon Shadwell is honest and impassioned. Again ringing of thrash, there is a wide range of style on display from almost spoken sections, through gruff and clean singing, to moments that verge on growls. These are very well placed, accentuating differing dynamics, while vocal effects are also used at times. The keys of Craig Burkitt play a dual role. Much of the time they fill out the sound, with dramatic flourishes and simple yet memorable lines, while in their more complex moments they take on a different role, being very much a prominent solo instrument. The rhythm section is of an equally high standard. Drumming from Alex Townsend is precise, with some truly impressive double bass rolls hidden in the music, while a notable dynamic awareness and some classic, powerful beats round off the great performance. These are punctuated by well considered fills. The bass of Chris Le Mottee is excellent, with a strong groove and memorable lines.
As you can imagine, this makes for a complex sound, which the band manage to pull off with catchy tunes, and astonishing maturity. With so much happening in the music you can still sing along and listen to the songs as a whole, but there is always the option of focussing in on any of the individual performances and still enjoying the album. This is topped off excellent production, and high-quality packaging. When Silence Calls is an impressive release from a young band and a young label. And when taking into account that this is a debut, it seems clear Humanity have a very bright future.
8/10
Official Humanity website
Officia Carbon13 Records website
Ultimatemetals interview with Humanity
Carbon13 Records September 2004
By Russell Garwood
Humanity are a young band from the UK. Unusually for their age, they play an original and evocative mix of styles. Thrash influences are apparent, while some moments are pure prog. Add some power metal-isms and subtle but pervasive doom leanings, along with more extreme touches, and you have an unusual sound. A difficult mix, you may think, but When Silence Calls shows just how well it can be done.
The rhythm guitar work is unadulterated thrash, with chugging yet melodic backing, while the lead work can recall power metal at times. Always melodic, Steve Wallace and Richard Halls axe-work drives the sound, with tight and diverse performances. Above this the singing of Simon Shadwell is honest and impassioned. Again ringing of thrash, there is a wide range of style on display from almost spoken sections, through gruff and clean singing, to moments that verge on growls. These are very well placed, accentuating differing dynamics, while vocal effects are also used at times. The keys of Craig Burkitt play a dual role. Much of the time they fill out the sound, with dramatic flourishes and simple yet memorable lines, while in their more complex moments they take on a different role, being very much a prominent solo instrument. The rhythm section is of an equally high standard. Drumming from Alex Townsend is precise, with some truly impressive double bass rolls hidden in the music, while a notable dynamic awareness and some classic, powerful beats round off the great performance. These are punctuated by well considered fills. The bass of Chris Le Mottee is excellent, with a strong groove and memorable lines.
As you can imagine, this makes for a complex sound, which the band manage to pull off with catchy tunes, and astonishing maturity. With so much happening in the music you can still sing along and listen to the songs as a whole, but there is always the option of focussing in on any of the individual performances and still enjoying the album. This is topped off excellent production, and high-quality packaging. When Silence Calls is an impressive release from a young band and a young label. And when taking into account that this is a debut, it seems clear Humanity have a very bright future.
8/10
Official Humanity website
Officia Carbon13 Records website
Ultimatemetals interview with Humanity
