More of well performed metal from Finland, and what's more important, also mostly well composed! Starlit:Black are totally new acquaintance to me and internet didn't shed much light over the band. 'IO PI' is their second demo (not a reheasal which some websites list, too), and best available as mp3s if you don't want to ask from the band to create one. See, CD-r is packaged in unique corrugated cardboard slipcases.

Norway's Susperia is the name that comes to my mind when listening to Starlit:Black. Modern take on thrash is the only depiction I can come up with. Also Hypocrisy peeks in behind it all, because of some death metal elements which do sound Swedish. Basically, music goes from fast to blast beats. Usual atmosphere isn't very dark at all, sometimes beefed up by, if not happy, but nice, catchy riffs. Aggressiveness is on average level. Compositions are good at the best. Other times they seem to go on without too much of a goal and surely for a tad too long at times. At least it feels like that without any lyrics. However, I'm not bored during this 17 minutes, so this is balanced triplets. Some synth stuff can be heard, but not much and hopefully guys keep it that way. First two songs are album quality stuff.

As I mentioned, this is well played and energetic stuff. I like playful guitars (oh yes, squawks and other noises are abound) and able drumming with lots of double bass drum beats. Vocals are the second thing that reminds me of Susperia. There's usual safe choice of blackish voice and then there's clean voice. The clean voice is not really sung, but hollered. Neither of vocal styles is powerful and therefore lower aggressive elements on this demo. Best thing is screams. Actually instrumental parts are much more interesting usually, where the band truly can let the metal flow. Sound is overally good for a demo, well mixed and powerful. Guitars miss the bite, because they do not sound sharp enough. Mp3 quality really lets it down too much and hopefully guys have sent CD-r's and not mp3 links to record labels.

Good stuff for all Hypocrisy and Susperia fans. Maybe Starlit:Black guys haven't even heard Susperia in their lives (but everybody must have heard some Hypocrisy, right?), so just check this out. It's free and all. Another
rising metal force from Finland, mark my words!

Reviewed by Lane
08/29/2004 18:28