This smells like Texas ribs and tastes like Coors Light. Now tell me what bands do that aforementioned imagery bring to your mind..?

Frontlines, who hail from Oulu, Northern Finland, surprisingly sound nothing like Sentenced or Poisonblack and such melancholy-filled, suicidal Oulu-bands. They actually do smell like Texas ribs. If you're still pondering on that question I placed for you, well, here comes the definite answer (one of 'em, at least): Pantera.

Frontlines guitarist have played at a Dimebag tribute gig and the vocalist sports a Pantera shirt on promo photos. So, mainly I hear strong Pantera influences ramming through. It is not all complete Pantera rip-off, but fuck me, if the Messrs Dimebag Darrell and Phil Anselmo haven't been massive bloody influences. This is groove metal. No bullshitting, this is METAL, not just some lame some power riffs and gel hair over the other eye. It's long hairs and a bald head.

The guitar playing is nothing short of amazing. Great riffs, warped solos and otherwise finger-skin shredding stuff. Yeah! It's a fucking joy to listen to. Not being as warped as the maestro himself used to be, but still on the right road, so to speak. the drumming is more lively than Pantera's ever was. Tight and precise. The bassist didn't accept the role of a bystander, settling with solid rhythm, but there's some cool work there too. And the vocals, then... Screamed, shouted, with vocal cords crusted. It is attitude-filled all the way. Very close to Anselmo at times, even the rhythm work.

So, there's bits here and there to avert me from calling Frontlines Pantera rip-offers. That "prog" lead guitar part towards the end of 'Faceless', for example. Soundwise this is fucking class! Tough, clear and really well built-up parts (mixed, that is). It is completely professional. Frontlines must be awesome live, you can hear the vibe here all the way.

I still would like to see Frontlines to bring out more of themselves, not just their influences. However, if you enjoy groove metal, then check out this fucker immediately (it's also available as a free download). Hear the legacy of Pantera! I'm not complainin' a lot...

Reviewed by Lane
01/19/2009 22:42