HUNTED „Alone”

Music: Metal/Heavy Metal
Website: http://www.myspace.com/huntedrock
Country: Wales
Cool songs: Impaled, Shadows, The Silence of Minds

It seemed that being a metal band (and I mean really METAL) is now a bit passé. Why is that? First of all a lot of people believe that everything that metal had to offer had been played long time ago. Just let’s have a look at such bigwigs as IRON MAIDEN or JUDAS PRIEST. What is more, we are constantly fed by the ‘so called’ progressive play, musicians are taking part in a competition titled ‘the most incomprehensible piece of music’, and last, but not least, it seems that our tastes have changed, that is, we need some more stimuli. HUNTED, five lads from Cardiff prove with their music that metal has still got the fucking potential and can kick ass. Even if you are a panda or devoted grinding cannibal, you will find their music interesting.

What is so special about HUNTED and their music? Why are they so fantastic that everyone would appreciate their effort? Well, just listen to the opening sounds of their debut album, ‘Alone’, and you will know what I mean. Heavy riffs in ‘Impaled’ are struggling with a blast beat, of which any black or death metal bunch would not be ashamed. The album starts with a real killer and the pace is being spun till the end. Fabulous solos, cool interludes and that progressive hint with lots of shifts in style and speed. That is what tiggers like the most! The next ripe fruit is yet another ass-kicker! ‘Shadows’ do not leave any doubts with whom we are trying to dance. A very romantic and calming down intro builds up an artistic atmosphere, as if it was a painting where warm colours take the lead. Turn your head right and you will be attacked by ferociously aggressive visions (cool shift, aggressive riffs) of a genius mind. The song is well developed and cut into sections: once romantic and calm, then it turns out to be a machine gun burst. But only for a while, not too long, so that the listener would not be bored. The third composition, ‘The Silence of Minds’ is a bow towards IRON MAIDEN with its bass solo at the beginning. It sounds as if it was taken straight from ‘Blood on the World’s Hands’. Some similarities do not kill the spirit of this music, they only make it stronger. The composition is powerful, motifs chop and change, parts fit one another just like in a complete machinery. ‘The Silence of Minds’ is the most thrashy composition on this album, with harsh riffs and very strong and juicy bass line. A true metal placebo for all those thirsty fans, with a spellbinding solo… more Maiden influence. But who cares… all of the bands were influenced by some others for a while, so it is not a problem. Furthermore, HUNTED developed their own style which is a combination of heavy as a hammer hit riffs, melodic solos, ripe bass and Chris’s fabulous voice. What more can one want.

The gentlemen managed to create a complete album, although it is short. The compositions are varied and there is not even a hint of repetition or tiring boredom. It is an authentic energy drink. How did they do it? Well, the key is the simplicity and the duration of the album. There are only three compositions which are like waterfalls. Strong and unbridled. Great result as for a debut, and a demo. All we have to do now is to believe that their first full length album will contain material as good as this CD. Material which would be inconvenient, original and authentic. Because what we like the most about metal is its authenticity and emotional background. ‘Alone’ is played from the bottom of the heart… a very hunted heart!

note: 9.5/10

Tracklist

1. Impaled
2. Shadows
3. The Silence of Minds

Total playing time 18:26

Line-up

Chris G. – vocals
Steven Barberini – lead and rhythm guitars
Dave Edwards – rhythm guitar
Jon Letson – bass
Matthew 'Animal' Thomas – drums