If myGRAIN's first demo from 2004 was a few slaps on cheek, this newbie is closer to a bust in the chops. The amount of energy the band transmits and their tightness as a unit is nothing small, let me tell you. And the band's eagerness to show their cards. Makes me wonder how they sound live!

MyGRAIN's metal is modern. They like to mix Swedish melodic death metal and North American attitude together, creating powerful impact and at same time being catchy. Think of mixture of Pantera/Damageplan style attitude with modern In Flames's musical style. Rolling, nothing too quirky compositions-wise and punches that find their target. Good heavy riffs and guitar squeals are abound here with metal solos. Drumming is relentless, making my head pound unintentionally and bass is the king of lowest ranges. Synthesizers are used to produce loads of electric bleeps 'n' wails and stuff, fitting nicely to heavy outlet of the band, giving it a futuristic edge. Vocals are rough throat abuse of different kind plus some okay clean singing. Sound-wise this is powerful, reminding me of two latest In Flames records.

I'm not the biggest fan of this style, but to myGRAIN's honor I must say they seem to be one of the most powerful forces within borders of this style of metal. However, the band's music is nothing too original, preventing it from getting a honorary mention. By the way, they already got signed with Spinefarm Records. There should be debut album out early next year. Let's see, if myGRAIN can delivered punches like this under pressure of studio work.

Reviewed by Lane
07/14/2005 19:13