PlanetMosh Keeping it Metal
This German five piece formed in 2007, the various members having bedded themselves in with various other bands up until then. Having spent the interim period mainly writing and playing live, they’ve steadily gained an ever growing fan base for their performances on stage, a stage that they have shared adeptly with the likes of Dark Tranquillity, Insomnium and many others.
And so to the present, up until this debut release the bands only previous output was a demo E.P., which saw the light of day in 2010, so no one can accuse the band of rushing into things.
“Inhaling Blackness – Reflecting Light” represents an excellent debut which falls quite happily into the Melodic Thrash/Death genre, indeed, it’s interesting to note that the band, as previously mentioned, toured with Dark Tranquillity, as there is more than a hint of similarity in quite a few places, “Eclipse” being a good example.
I must profess to being a bonafide fan of this genre, I’ve always enjoyed that mix of atmospheric, emotionally charged, almost surreal elements, combined with the all out, take no prisoners attitude of Death and Thrash. Listen to the dreamy tones of “One Star Per Tear” next to the melodic powerhouse of “Error Concept I” to get a feel of what I mean.
The vocals of Benedikt Rathsmann come across really strongly without dominating the excellent twin guitar sound, which throw up more than the odd noteworthy solo, “My Ulysses” demonstrates in particular a great mix of clean and growl vocals moving in tandem with some really memorable melodies and riffs.
Germany has become for quite some time now the hotbed of Death and Thrash, with what some would say was a prolific number of bands bursting onto the scene, all competing for the spoils. Whether I Spit Ashes will be able to make that breakthrough to the next level, and appeal to an international market remains to be seen but on the strength of this debut the signs look more than encouraging, as their sound is one that is able to strike a chord with more than one Metal genre and therefore will stand them in good stead for the future.
Rating 8/10.
Track Listing;
1. N.D.X.
2. Missper.
3. Cracks In The Mirror.
4. Eclipse.
5. Crossing The Borderline.
6. One Star Per Tear.
7. Error Concept I.
8. Towards The Sun.
9. My Ulysses.
10. When Daylight Dies.
11. Moonray Guidance.
I Spit Ashes are;
Benedikt Rathsmann – Vocals.
Benjamin Muller – Bass Guitar.
Daniel Lammich – Drums.
Emanuel Seis – Guitar.
Bernhard Lindner – Guitar.
Out now on Massacre Records.
http://www.massacre-records.com
http://www.facebook.com/spitashes?ref=ts
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hDN5hwVZRp0&w=560&h=315]
