Beastwars - Beastwars

This four piece from New Zealand have produced a killer debut album.  The opening track, Damn the sky pulls you in with it’s opening discordant riff before the chugging epic riffing starts.  The distorted bass hammers away with a perfect spot in the mix but what really blows me away about these guys is the singers voice.  Most people who can put that much aggression into their voice do not have this much diversity.  Mihi is my other favourite on this album, starting with what could nearly be a blues intro with ranting vocals in the intro before it explodes into a slithering guitar riff.  This is a rare and unusual band which have been uniquely captured in their element.  They have opened for Kyuss and High on Fire so you already have an idea of the crowd they aim to please.  They also won the 2011 NZ Music Award for best album artwork/packaging for the cover to this album, and also had one of the most highly bestowed honours any metal band could ask for – their own limited edition beer!

-- Toole