Whoa, dudes! Where is the structure to this song?? Oh there it is - kicking along with the insane drumming. The first song, "Hellbound", on CROWPATH's first full-length CD is twisted with aggressive howling and dynamic, heavy-as-all-fuck guitar riffs that seem to change direction with every couple of bars. The intricate web of beats that the drummer has crafted simply needs to be heard.

The second and subsequent songs gain more structure and so begins the violent, hate filled journey that is "Red on Chrome." These Swedish death/grind merchants of metal really do pack a punch. The music gallops along at a good pace which is reasonably constant throughout the album, except for the title track, which slows to an almost sludgy, grinding halt. For me this change in pace could have been left out. It was like watching the climax of a movie and then being made to sit through an ad break. However, it does not take the band long to build that intensity up again.

The vocals switch between a deep growling sound and a more abundant crazed rasping shriek. The opening of the third song on the disk, “Protected by Judas” has a high-pitched HELLOWEEN-like scream thrown in, just for a bit of fun. For me the highlight of the album was the work behind the skins which sounds quite innovative, intricate and at times mind-blowing. I especially like the work on the high hats, or is it a cow bell? "Red on Chrome" is a great album, especially for a debut long player. These guys have a very promising future and I look forward to hearing where their sound will go from here.

- Saltry

OFFICIAL SITE: myspace.com/crowpath

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