| CD REVIEW Huron |
 |
|
Band : Huron Although a relatively young band (formed in 2007), this Plymouth (Devon, South-West of England) based outfit (consisting of lead singer Sean “Roscoe” Palmer, guitarist/ backing singer Neil “Sick-Boy” Sims, bassist/ backing singer “Philty Phil” Griffin and drummer/ backing singer Rory “Otto” Conroy – whom replaced Damien Diablo within the formation year) chose a musical palate which saw 'em turn back the clock some 15 years...more specifically to the era of Pantera, Groove Metal style (remember that prior to 1990's Cowboys From Hell the band's musical direction was a rather less aggressive Heavy Metal). Following the late 2008 self-release of their full-length debut album Cheney Stoking (which already got their first spot on a festival, the 2008 Clive Aid Festival, playing alongside Marshall Law and Praying Mantis), the band was swiftly signed by British label Rising Records, who re-issued the album in January 2009. The release was followed by glowing reviews, and some attention (in May 2009) by Bruce Dickinson, whom played a track and talked about the album on his BBC6 radio show. Then came intense tours of the UK with the likes of Valient Thorr and Viking Skull. Continuing to tour, the band eventually got booked for the 2009 Hellfire Festival (sharing the stage with Saxon, Anvi, and Fields Of The Nephilim). The band then secluded themselves to rehearse new songs, and eventually went into the April Media Studio to start recording their sophomore album with the aide of John Carter and Sean Olver. During 2010 the band was booked for the Hammerfest II festival, supporting the likes of Devil Driver, Suicidal Tendencies, Orange Goblin, and Iced Earth on stage 3. they also got picked up by Casket Music/ Copro Records, and got themselves a new press agent and promotor. Already before the release, the band's new music was being played on Total Rock Radio, Plant Rock, and other radio stations. In other words, attention for the new album is already there at an early stage...we'll see if it can garner the band the attention it needs to make it across the Channel and enlarge their fanbase to Europe! Okay, so talking music first...although Pantera was already mentioned above, the comparison counts mainly for the lead singer's vocal antics, which are definitely based on Phil Anselmo's typical style (somewhere in the info I found his voice is also likened to James Hetfield and Eddie Vedder at certain moments, but that's not something I hear on this album). As far as the music is concerned...it is even somewhat harsher than that of Pantera, as there's a vicious streak in it (sharp mid-high riffing) which is luckily frequently embellished with nice solos. As the only exception to the all-encompassing aggression, “Eternal Sea, Part 1” is an acoustic ballad (and still no Vedder likeness in the singing, you know!). To tell you the truth, it's far better to actually listen to this band's music, than to talk, or to read about it, because where a “description” might give you an idea of how the band might sound approximately, the final test is always in the actual listening, isn't it? So, if you'll look up the band's facebook page, you can listen to no less than 6 of the 10 songs on the album! On the band's own website (www.) huronuk.com, you'll also find videos to two songs (one additional one), and at (www.) myspace.com/huronuk, you can also listen to what Bruce Dickinson had to say about the new album. If you were a Pantera fan, you should definitely check it out! I mean, the original may be hard to replace, but this band sure stands in front of line as far as taking the throne is concerned, in spite of the difference mentioned. 95/100 Tony. |