Sometimes, even though way too seldom, fresh-sounding metal can be heard. Serbia's Uneven are of this rare breed. The band mixes Balkan ethno music with heavy metal in the way I've never heard before.

The folk music influence is clearly heard on some chord patterns as well as in odd rhythms, like 7/8 or 11/8. Uneven rhythms, and that's where the band's name originates from. The instrumental opener 'Vrzino Kolo' is a fine example of non-rock rhythm based song-craft, and its heavy/thrash metal guitar work is very catchy, thanks to its folky roots. 'Nights in the Club' is like the Serbian version of Skyclad; hellishly catchy, joyful piece of folky heavy metal. 'USSR' is a dark heavy metal song with thrashy edge, and let's not forget that ethno music element. 'Uneven' is music-wise similar to the opener, but nursery rhyme lyrics add another dimension to it. 'Fire in the Hole' is the heaviest song on offer with its shredding riffage and hefty tom drum beats.

The vocals are very varying. Various styles of clean singing and shouting can be heard. The voice or the skills of the vocalist are not the best, but he totally puts his soul into it. The lyrics are about war, politics, and other social isues, so it is no surprise that the vocals are so into it when remembering the history of the band's homeland. And that also transpires from the instrumentalists. Everything is rigorously performed, but the sound job with guitar string sounds left untouched, let's it breathe.

At the end of the day, these five songs are a bit too much from the same mould, as the ethno rhythms are present throughout the demo. However, it still is a fresh gust in the world of heavy metal. The band sound fully ready for the album, especially is they can provide more comprehensive musical appearance.

Reviewed by Lane
10/16/2009 19:52