Vermont's ROMANS provide a post-hardcore epic of madcap math dissonance on "All Those Wrists." Twelve songs rush by in 24 minutes, leaving tantalizingly little space between or room to breathe as one track crashes into another. Several could be more adequately called segues, minute-long instrumental palate-cleansers between raw sludgefeasts. Yet there is a surprising amount of electricified eclecticism within that brevity, adding texture and atmosphere to the frenetic, thrash-inspired pace. On most tracks the vocals are suitably mangled and the guitar crystalline and layered, with keyboards and effects contributing to the sonic multi-dimensionality. This helps give otherwise slow-pounding grinds like "Tidepool" an ethereal undertone not dissimilar from some of DEFTONES' art-menace moments. Yet the pace is generally one of measured frenzy, best observed on highlights like "Carve Up and Give Away" and the title track. Fans of BOTCH, NORMA JEAN, FEAR BEFORE THE MARCH OF FLAMES and THE CHARIOT will find much to like in this Roman wilderness of pain.

- Shragge

OFFICIAL SITE: myspace.com/romansnoise

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