| CD REVIEW Promethium |
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Band : Promethium Promethium is an Old School Metal band with influences from Rock and Thrash (which gives it a 21st century twist), borne from the demise of 5 Lancaster (UK) based bands, and as a positive reaction to the tired Thrash Metal which dominated the local scene. Not sure when exactly the band formed, but 2009 saw the release of debut EP Tribute To The Fallen meet with rave reviews from British press, and songs from the EP were given almost constant airplay from the Underground Metal radios. In January 2010 the band, then consisting of lead singer Gary “Gaz” Mcgohan, guitarists Daniel Lovett-Horn and Rossi (no other name given), bassist Wayne “Wanger” Ward, and drummer Fraser (also known only under that name) starting (home?) recordings with engineer Mick Armistead in a co-production effort between the guitarists (whom are apparently also the main writers of both music and lyrics – the singer's can only call 2 songs' lyrics his own, and both songs were for some reason put at the back of the album). Mixing was done in early April, and apparently already gave a sound about which everyone concerned was quite ecstatic. That same month the band signed a 2-year deal for the promotion and distribution of the album with Casket Music, leading also to the great Nick Hemingway mastering the material. Now apparently the band members have over 70 years of experience in studio, live, and promo work (let's not forget song writing skills) between 'em...and that certainly shows in the way the guys took care of details! Curiously, lyrical contents are somewhat similar to those of Kill 21, who have their album out through this very same label, on the same date! Well, actually Promethium takes influences for their lyrics from a broader angle, apparently, and also goes beyond army-related killing sprees (for instance, “33.1” is about being tortured by the enemy – certainly a different perspective – and album closer “Murder Inc.” is about a couple of teenage misfits killing no less11 people in the 1957 Midwest of America – I think that one comes from a movie featuring Robert Blakely as a young actor – television maniacs may remember him from the lead role in the police series Baretta)! And with the lyrical diversity also comes a more interesting musical palate, especially from the vocal viewpoint, because Gaz's higher pitch is far more interesting than the somewhat monotone meanderings of Kill 21's singer. On top, you get an occasional grunt as backing singer here and there...not in each song, so it doesn't become something you expect...making things even more interesting in the vocal department. Of course, you're free to your own opinion, and in order to be able to make up your own mind about things, you might wanna check out the songs posted at myspace.com/promethium. Last minute bit of news: since the recordings the band saw a change at the position of the bass player, a role taken over by one Barry Mill. 90/100 Tony. |