Intricately named Oddland offers innovative alternative metal/rock sound with their second demo release entitled 'Away from the Watching Eye'. Oddland is a trio of old friends, who have been playing music together for many years. Oddland took its form back in 2003.

One of the band's trademark is out-of-norm rhythmic work. It sounds like Tool played more metal way, since there are double bass drums beats and even some blast beats heard. Add to that accurate, not a genre-specific bass guitar playing. This interesting use of rhythms open a huge playground for the trio, and they also take the advantage of it, as the band aren't influenced by any specific style of rock or metal music. The guitar work is both modern chugging and more good ol' fingering metal. The vocals are manly chest voice singing not many miles from Katatonia's Jonas Renkse, and at times very picturesque and also with some harsher delivery, but never growls or anything that extreme. The production is suitable with its wide soundscape, that easily let's every nuance to shine.

The opener 'Above and Beyond' is both melancholic and punchy song, which sways between peculiar rhythms and direct catchiness. The metal parts aren't too distant from Finland's Diablo. This continues on 'Still the Spirit Stays', which enters Mid-Eastern scopes in the way of Mastodon. Add to that some Von Hertzen Brothers style of vocal melodies. 'In Endless Endeavour' stomps like a pack of war elephants, before lulling into melodiousness.

With 'Away from the Watching Eye', Oddland shows their charismatic style. It is the result from the band members' multifarious musical sentiments. They aren't afraid to be something more than just an alternative metal/rock band. Advocates of any particular genre, stand in awe!

Reviewed by Lane (partly fixed by Death8699)
02/28/2010 21:59