Point-Blank are thrash/death metal newcomers from Raahe, Finland. The demo-CD 'Gatling Gun Manifest' is their debut release, featuring three own songs.

The mixture of thrash and death metal is nothing new and Point-Blank do not manage to introduce anything new into the metal music world. This is the main concern about the band. The second, much lesser demerit is the vocalist, who does okay and pretty powerful grunting and growls, but is limited in his delivery. The music is actually quite varying, as the band trample on two extreme metal grounds, and the songs are all memorable. I hear associations with many, many bands, but Point-Blank aren't a replica of any band I know, although I'd stake this for being more Testament than Slayer, and more Gorefest than Morbid Angel. So, in other words Point-Blank are pretty straight and verging on melodic. The music breathes, because it fluctuates from blast-frenzy to calmer parts (eg. fine melodic solo part at the end of 'Die or Obey' and the beginning of 'Voices'), but also because it contains groove. The band sound competent. The sound is on demo level, but at least it's good at that. The instruments are tastefully heard, this definitely does not lack in lower end and it sounds organic.

So, once again it's the familiar case of the lack of originality. Pretty much all other sectors the band can handle well enough, already on their debut demonstration. 'Gatling Gun Manifest' offer enjoyable listening session and raise my interest towards the band's doing in the future. A goodie.

Reviewed by Lane
05/25/2008 12:20