1-Hit the Road 2-Evil Greezer 3-Brain Trust 4-Nightscape 5-Avonlea
6-Labyrinth 7-Masquerade 8-Retrofit 9-If You Dare 10-Absolution
Doug Fortune's Review Reprinted By Permission
This five member group from Wisconsin have been through all the ups and downs since their formation in 1995 but have now settled into a solid unit that plays some of the most diverse, memorable metal you'll ever hear. What is it about some of the independent bands I've heard this year? I'll tell you... it is their sheer love for this unique style of music that shines through in their playing, tireless self-promotion and incredible songwriting separating them from the droves of wannabes. B.E.N.T. is a band with a plan.
This disc has many faces and moods, at times straying from it's heavy roots but always finding it's way back. What you get here is such diversity that it keeps the listening experience fresh and unpredictable. Guitarists Brian Bolle and Ryan Loehe intertwine complex melodies and arrangements in an end result that is memorable but not over the top. This alone is an amazing accomplishment. These guys have created an appealing sound to the basic, straightforward metal lover and a dream come true for those who are able to hear everything going on below the surface.
What IS in your face are some incredible solos that compete with ANYONE in this genre. One listen to the exchanges in "Braintrust", "Avonlea", "Retrofit", "If You Dare" and "Absolution" and I was literally speechless. It doesn't stop there. All this couldn't have been pulled off by just two great guitar players, it's clear that DeWayne Bolle has a stranglehold on the bottom end and doesn't merely "keep the line". The mix is perfect, letting each instrument have enough space to breathe, creating an atmosphere where the bass acts as an equal member with the guitars and Eddy Szczepanski's intense drumming. Tell me a drummer can't make or break a band!!! How could someone with limited capabilities hold this whole ball of wax together? Well, they couldn't. These songs would fall apart at the seams were it not for some brave percussion providing serious backbone.
Serving as the perfect voice to this diversified musical expedition is Eric J Swanson, a breath of fresh air in the days where screaming and growling are the norm. His vocals are the fitting piece to the puzzle, ranging from aggressive and angry, with a hardened delivery to soothing and peaceful... lulling you in, at all times in full control.
ELEVEN is a disc that any metal freak will love. It's all there, from the professional packaging and top notch production, to the "about life" lyrics and killer music.
Help support these independent bands and help support your love for the highest quality music out there.
Find more reviews and interviews from "The Axeman" at the following sites: rockhardplace.com, bloodyaxe.com and metalvault.com
