When a band titles its album — a demo, no less — 69, it's easy to push "play" with little hope of hearing something worthwhile. But (surprise, surprise) the multicultural quartet Thulium kicks some major alternative-metal ass. And the title makes sense, given the band's name: Thulium, of course, is a metallic element found in the minerals euxenite and gadolinite, and it boasts the atomic number 69. It's also, according to the band's MySpace page, "an easily workable metal."
The three tracks on this 11-minute set (with production way better than other demos that have landed at the Sea) pack a major mainstream punch, taking influences from Audioslave, Evanescence, Foo Fighters, Metallica, Nickelback and Red Hot Chili Peppers. The best of the bunch is "Craving," a radio-friendly three-minute explosion of testosterone-fueled melody and riffage. "Running" allows vocalist and rhythm guitarist Boubou to show off his scruffy voice against a razor-sharp wall of sound and punk gang vocals, while "90 Days of Sorrow" is an intense, tough-sounding piano ballad.
With members from France, England, Canada and Hungary, Thulium have the potential to be an international sensation.
Track Listing:
1) Running
2) Craving
3) 90 Days of Sorrow
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