Threat Signal: Under Reprisal

The great white north of Canada (Hamilton Ontario) brings forth a new entry into the ring of hardcore metal, which takes shape in the form of a quintet going by the name of Threat Signal. The band was formed by cousins Rich (guitars) and John (vocals) Howard (Rich has at the time of this writing just left the band) in 2003. Not long after the bands formation they posted a demo version of "Rational Eyes" on the internet which began to draw immediate attention from hungry cyber fans and label interest soon came calling. Fast forward to 2006 and major player Nuclear Blast gets the honors of introducing this incendiary act to the world with their solid debut called Under Reprisal, which by the way also boasts the production skills of Fear Factory's Christian Olde Wolbers. Under Reprisal is chock full of heavy syncopated rhythms and vein tearing screams as per the norm in this genre of metal but Threat Signal also incorporate other subtle elements into their music in an attempt to keep things fresh, however it isn't always effective. John Howard's combination of an aggressive / clean vocal delivery is at times at bit too reminiscent of Linkin Parks Chester Bennington, which isn't a bad thing at all but this style of vocals seems to have been the standard for more than a few years now so isn't all that new. Many of today's up and comers seemingly feel the need to offset their harder, abrasive style with cleaner passages as if to offer up a truce rather than just sticking it full throttle down your throat for 60 minutes. That being said, Under Reprisal still offers up enough for the listener to digest, with catchy hooks and harmonic guitar work a plenty and some nice, slow moodier passages as well. Under Reprisal is an impressive musical debut, however if there is one thing holding it back it would be that as a whole it doesn't really add anything new or groundbreaking to this genre.

Track Listing
1) Rational Eyes
2) As I Destruct
3) One Last Breath
4) Seeing Red
5) A New Beginning
6) Counter Balance
7) Inane
8) Now
9) Faceless
10) Haunting
11) When All Is Said And Done

Added: December 8th 2006
Reviewer: Ryan Sparks
Score:
Related Link: Official Band Website
Hits: 4007
Language: english

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