Sovereign CD Review

    Sovereigns new CD gives a toe-tapping and head-bobbing appeal while luring the listener to wistfully daydream of sweet days gone by mixed with a new-age of current desires.

     What does that mean? Basically they have a bit of a classic late 80s early 90's grind in Mark Hughey's percussion and Robert Clayton's rhythm, yet the poppiness of the lyrics carry a heavy edge as does the raw violent passion in Michael Yarnell's voice. Keoni Rogers fluid fingers on the guitar and funky twist in Austin Hart's bass is what adds a more alternative yet melodious and yearning quality to their music. 

     That so much talent can come from this one particular group is undeniable, as "Follow", "Far From Home" and "Who I Am"s live recordings show the originality, depth and symmetry of musical art in action. The slow starting rhythm of  "Fickle" quickly picks up pace only to slow it down again while Yarnell's voice woos and serenades. Gaining similarity as the song goes on, the end surprises as Yarnell whispers just before the rhythm and Roger's heavy riffs amp it up again. 

   A song sure to get you addicted is "Last Meal" which starts off heavy and wicked, with erotic overtones and hip-swaying rhythm. Yarnell's voice hits a core of vibrancy with sex appeal and rich baritone power as Roger's strumming drives in deep to hit the metal spot. Hughey's percussion is simple; steadily rising and falling to the rhythm or lead guitar parts, but still solid in precision and boom.

   Recommended for the lovers of hard rock with a metal lining and "feel good" intercepts, Sovereign's new "Change" CD will give classic and modern rockers what they are looking for.

http://www.sovereignrocks.com/

    

Enduval

     Enduval is an impressive group. Starting out fast and furious with one song, or slow and entreating the next, the group has a hard metal sound that reverberates with melancholic dreaminess. "Fight the World" delivers a thrashy sound to start, then breaks into a soulful chorus, reminiscent of hard thrash band Five Finger Death Punch, while after a couple minutes into the song mix it up with almost 311 style strumming adding to the diversity of the music.

     Billy Maulings and Charles Manuel know how to rock it intensely with fluid and talented exchange as Chris Meyer's bass laces their play with a funky tone here and there, adding some variety and fullness. Their song "Wait" is a good example of that, as the vocals of Josh Krone's pleasant tenor has a yearning quality and gives a passionate projection.

     "The One to Change' carries a familiar guitar intro and chorus and sounds similar to their other songs, save for the whispers, reminding of the progressive group, Opeth, a bit in style and arrangement. Ryan Aldrege's percussion is dynamic and energetic, talented and focused; heavy one part, soft and light others, with a rocky flourish.

     As impressive as Enduval is, a bit more variety of vocal range and octave would add to the richness of the music, and encouragement is only needed in the area of keeping an original sound in the musical arrangement.This group has just about everything it needs to take them to the top in the local music arena and beyond.

     Special note to the Ugly Mug Tavern, whose fantastic sound system and above average floor size makes it all the more better!

    

     Photos taken by Arielle Beckham

 

Enduval on Reverb Nation 

One Eye Open

  Thrash and metal, perfect for the ultimate headbanger, is the mainstay of heavy rock band "One Eye Open."

     Unusual for a thrash group are the vocals of OEO's singer, Lucky. Not your typical thrash metal vocals where there's only one sound (generally one tone demonic screaming), Lucky uses inflection and a variety of vocal range, doing what a good singer should do at least some of the time--sing!

     Percussionist, Foot, is fast moving and more than keeps up with the music, not an easy feat given the rapid pace. What one wants one gets: slamming double and triple beats, clanging symbols and lusty drum rolls. Arc Angel lays on the heavy sound of bass while Brando Riordan gives the quick riffs of the true thrash grunge artist.

     Ear-splitting they are not, no indeed, as there is obviously a lot of thought that went into the making of the music. "Fascial Lacerations/Morphine" starts off slow with eerie vocals and then blasts into a heavy chorus and full on screaming, along with car wrecking type sounds and breaking glass. "Soul" begins with riffs hard rock riffs as soon as the lightening speed percussion, insane guitar and demon ghoul screams kick in.

     One Eye Open is for the thrash metal fan and anyone else who wants a faster change of pace. Whether feeling frisky, deliriously happy, full of rage or just plain aggressive, OEO definitely hits that M-spot (metal-spot) and is a great group to see live. Warning: fits of moshing are to be expected!

To hear OEO for yourself, go to http://www.myspace.com/oeo666