What you metalheads would think about mixing some metal and rhythm and blues? No good? That's what I think. Anyways, Polish newcomers Terminal aren't afraid to mix those two, and more. 'Tree of Lie', the band's debut album, is about combining band members' favourite music styles, but keeping it soulful.

Metal bits mostly sound something like Dream Theater, but there's also things that remind me of Evergrey. But when inspecting heavy guitar playing closer it becomes clear, that a lot of it is modern chugging. Thankfully there is some tasty guitar soloing to balance the contemporary boredom. R&B plays as big a part in Terminal's music than metal. There's funk and some rap to be heard. Linkin' Park influence is very apparent. One important music style is soundtrack music, as well as pop. So, listener will confront a huge mishmash of styles. Can it be soulful, real?

Yes it can. I personally can't stand R&B crap, but somehow Terminal can make it sound interesting. One thing they haven't been able to do is varying music despite all the styles they mix. While the instruments sound good, it's the vocals that really shine. The vocalist isn't metal, he's something else, but definitely not syrupy. He is a very skillful singer and manages to bring something vital into songs I, in another case, wouldn't be able to stand. There's no sign of accent in his voice, by the way.

'Tree of Lie' is an interestng album, but some musical influences it has aren't working for me. That fact makes it partly totally boring for me to listen to. Well, it's a matter of tastes, so if you're into lighter metal and R&B, you definitely should give Terminal a listen.

Rating: 6+ (out of 10) ratings explained

Reviewed by Lane
03/18/2010 15:59