Self-labelled as "pure heavy metal", in my opinion Northern Ireland's Honey For Christ have various leanings toward different styles of metal. The band's third EP 'The Darkest Pinnacle of Light' is at the very least a bumpy ride. Maybe a tad too bumpy.

What foremostly knits these five songs together is the vocalist, whose voice is soulful, but his singing is pretty weak. Anyways, it can be heard where he's coming from, and in my book that's plus. I can't but draw links to The Cure and Anathema when I hear this voice. But about the music, then.

'Satan & Swastika' is a heavy metal piece sped up with some thrashy bits. After it, more melancholic elements are brought forth. Think of Anathema, old Paradise Lost and The Cure style darkness mixed with heavy metal energy. The band's mixture makes them quite different from grey mass. However, latter songs could have benefited if they were shorter. During the last two songs I miss the more punchy stuff heard on the three first songs, they just seem to halt their proceed at times. Soundwise this is very organic. This makes it a double-edged sword. Sometimes the organic nature fits perfectly, but during bigger parts, the sound shows to be limp.

'The Darkest Pinnacle of Light' proved a tough one, but when I got into it, not a bad EP at all. It has diversified quality, for sure, but I think people who like old Peaceville doom bands and those who are looking for something a bit more out of mold, should investigate Honey For Christ.

Rating: 6 (out of 10) ratings explained

Reviewed by Lane
01/02/2007 12:52