From The Ashes - From The Ashes EP - [Self-released]

2006-10-02

This 4 track EP from Florida's From The Ashes is one angry piece of core-tinged metal, brining to mind Machine Head with some heavier moments thrown in as well. The four tracks on this EP are well written and have a pretty decent sound, but I have a feeling a better produced, full length by the band will prove a much better display of their abilities.

The album starts off with a strong cut that combines aggression and melody very well, the energetic, double-bass drumming works well with the fast riff, but its mostly the strong vocals that elevate this, Matt Wilkof sounds incredibly similar to Machine Head's Rob Flynn at times, but he has a better range and a stronger clean voice. The title track, fourth here, benefits from one of the best riffs in the EP, the song also has a good groove and a catchy chorus, with a solid lead thrown in as well.

I guess that most people who'll get into the band will do this because of the certain Machine Head similarities, but I have to say these guys have enough originality and good songs to fend for themselves.

Alon Miasnikov