Black Bay - Feeding It

Black Bay a quartet from the middle of Sweden now releasing their first full-length album Feeding It. After a long time being one of Sundsvall's more popular demo metal acts they've now finally put down the immense time and effort needed to produce a debut (self-produced as well I think).
An apt description of this band would be a straight-up no bullshit metal band. Riffs and melodies, aggressive and clear vocals, technical drumming and subtle bass-lines and the occasional guitar solo. It's all there.
Song-structure is also what you'd expect. But here and there the it goes for a twist and surprises the listener.

The introduction title track "Feeding It" soothes you in and then shakes it up with a a heavy break-riff. At this point their progressive subtle influences are laid bare. No doubt one of the stronger tracks on the album.
Since I am familiar with their earlier demo discs I can't help to miss the more anthem-like hooks on the choruses. But I give kudos to the increased technicality in many parts, now fully mastering the art of writing in odd time.
The tracks are good, but there's a lack of that melody or beat that leaves the lasting impression needed. On "Followed" they demonstrate the in your face groovy thrash metal style. And with the epic "Fall of Man" we're met with a dramatic pulsating crescendo. And then there's the albums substitute for a ballad "Torn apart".
Yet all in all Black Bay is a dish best served blackened, on songs such as "Concrete Walls" and "Last Grasp of Reality", but with a touch of  progressive coating. Somewhere on the bridge where Metallica and Dream Theater meet.

Overall it's a satisfying record to listen to, but at some point the chorus vocals fall a little short. It's a shame because there's undoubtedly potential here. I sadly missed their live show last Friday in Sundsvall, so I can't give any input on that. Here's hoping  we see a strong follow-up album in the future.

Will I listen to this album again?:

Occasionally

Spotify-link:

Periphery - Periphery II (2012)

Periphery was from the start a djent band (should I really use the word?!) that was heavily tilted towards a more listenable experience for the masses. What was first a bunch of technical instrumental solo-projects was fused into a full-fledged band with vocals. It gave their debut album Icarus a certain unique sound and a fresh direction for this new "genre".

Here I witness the release of their second album with singer Spencer Sotelo and it's a mix of the familiar and new directions. Several of the songs are still older instrumental work refitted for vocals, much like the first album. Back are the frantic low-pitched rythmic and irregular staccatos typical of post-messhuggah metal. 

The first track starts of with a great crescendo and could've been a very strong opening to a concept-album. But Judging from the abrupt restart of a new intro at the next track you can tell that this is more of a compilation album of spare ideas and riffs.

But are the actual songs any good? You bet! It's still periphery, it's still melodic, still progressive, groovy and the choruses are even catchier this time around. And there is a recurring theme in three songs that helps tie it together. 

Periphery is walking a fine line between being a mainstream act and a strike of progressive musical genius. The songs are more varied this time around, and you can tell they are experimenting heavily with song-writing. The future of this band feels a bit uncertain. I feel there's a risk their sound may be sacrificed in the favor radio friendliness. It's a future that's undoubtedly controversial and intriguing to say the least. 

If your into easy-listenable yet heavy and technical metal with new twists in it, be sure to check this out. 

And if you're a fan of the first album, then you've surely already picked it up, and rightfully so.

Will I listen to this album again?:

DEFINATELY!