Band
A Lower Deep
Title
Trinity
Type
LP/EP
Company
Raven Flight Records
YOR
2005
Style
Power
Popular Reviews
Modern thrash philosophy, downtuned for heaviness
I've been trying to catch up with this band's material for quite some time. I was pleased to track down a copy of their new release "Trinity", a well thought out power metal record that really strives to be so much more. "Trinity" marks the band's third record to date and one that will surely see the band get more exposure at this point in their career. Previous records like "Parable Of The Thorn" and "A Lower Deep" performed well in their roles of allowing the band more underground publicity and press. I would imagine this new release will do more in getting the band more mainstream press reviews and exposure.
"Trinity" is really a rather complicated record, with most of the songs found here all built around complex and intricate arrangements. The guitars are downtuned and at times very doomy, compromised only by the powerful and punchy riffs put down by guitarist Troy Reid. His playing is both of a doomy nature, with huge bluesy hooks sunk in deep, as well as the more modern thrash aspect approached by most serious guitar players in today's current metal streams. Singer Billy Mullican is really an odd bird, at times sounding like a cross between Ozzy and Geoff Tate. I believe honestly the music takes it's toll on Mullican's voice, with the bluesy themes bringing more of an Ozzy tone out of his voice. With the more intricate patterns I can hear the Tate side of his calculated delivery.
Fans of Nevermore, Twelfth Gate, and Eidolon should enjoy this record. Cuts like "My Enemy's Enemy" and "Ascent Of The Fallen" are based on that modern thrash philosophy, downtuned for heaviness and each filled with fast, quick punches that build into soaring leads and massive hooks. My personal favorites are the slower tempo cuts, with "Mind's Eye View" being more of the rock solid doom riffs that I enjoy so much.