EP REVIEW MENDEED 1. KILLING SOMETHING BEAUTIFUL
theband@mendeed.com
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Mendeed
are a five-piece from Glasgow formed in the summer of 2000. With a sound based around old
skool 90’s thrash, don’t be put off thinking "here we go again, more
rehashed music", as they manage to ignite an old sound with new vigour mixing in many
elements of modern influence. ‘Killing Something Beautiful’ has full-on hardcore edges reminiscent of Paint The Town Red but also contains embers of British rock that glow deep inside with occasional flames of Maiden-esque riffery. Powering through some major thrashing including some commanding double bass drum action and heroic solo guitar work, it’s quite an opening number. This is thrash metal with hardcore attitude. ‘Parasite’ continues without letting up, containing more powerful thrash-works interjected with metalcore passions, a chopping rhythm and intensely angry vocals. ‘Reticence’ continues the pace but with something far more traditional, straight out of the old book of Testament. It’s extremely fast and never really slows becoming quite manic with vocals topping the 100-mph mark. This is like a slice of early 90’s Machine Head, it’s raw metal but with a modern spin of additional attitude and anger. The final track - ‘No Escape’ - is a short and to the point launch into more metalcore meets thrash at a scorching pace, like an over-revved Pantera but played with an admirable tightness. This is a very well produced (Dave Chang) set of songs, having captured the power and energy that is the essence of their performance but retaining the raw ‘street’ feel that is so often squeezed out as unimportant. They show an immense amount of promise and it will be very interesting to see how this act develops from what is a strong start. Definitely ones to watch… Rigsby (23rd March, 2003) |
