Enter Phase Reverse, a Greek modern power trio who style themselves as being not quite metal and not quite rock, but a bit of both. To my ears they are quite rock and very much metal. They draw extensively on groove metal, but effectively filter out the thrash and sludge influences, the result being sound based on pure groove which, riffwise, at times gives the impression of a Led Zeppelin on steroids.
But while Led Zeppelin had the sort of upbeat feel to their grooves, Phase Reverse's music generally comes across as very potent and heavy (though not as heavy or technical as, say, Adrenaline Mob). And, I must say that the three Greek rockers can really churn out some crushing riffs. This album is definitely graced by the touch of top class riffsmiths.
The vocals have a sort of gruff quality to them, which suits the music quite well, and at times - especially in the more mellow passages - there is an almost introspective alternative metal/rock-like feel to the singing as well, which, again, suits the passages in which it appears quite well.
So, there definitely are some strong songs in the album, which make it more than worthwhile. However, some of the songs do become a bit formulaic in the long run in term. Still, the riffs are so awesome that they do make up for it; the riffage definitely is the album's biggest strength and the main attraction of most of the tunes on the album.
Phase Reverse is quite metal and quite rock, I'd say, and riff-happy fans of strong groovy metal should definitely give this album a listen. Oh, and see of you can spot the Born to be Wild-Easter egg.
Track list:
1. Cross to Bear
2. I Got your Back
3. Eye to Eye
4. Tear Down the Walls
5. Crash 'n Burn
6. Death Ride
7. Road Fever
8. Wide Awake
9. Changes
10. Who Gives a Damn
11. High Hopes
12. Long Gone
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