The Angry Scotsman
This EP starts right out with a churning wall of guitars and screaming. Yes, I am starting this review as abruptly as the song! The Violence Beneath kicks off with the classic post metal "wall" though the guitars are still fairly distinguishable. The drumming is also quite good, pretty fill heavy and a little fuller than standard post metal drumming. It's a nice touch.
The riffing alternates between walls of chords, chugging, and sometimes even a bit of lead/rhythm work. Amidst all this are the vocals, being belted out mountain man style, (along with the occasional hardcore yelling and more guttural noises). There are some intriguing melodies plaid, good guitar work, and great variation. It hangs around long enough, but never too long, (a problem that can arise in post metal). Great, well crafted opening song.
Buried Hopes, starts off much more melodic. Very nice introduction, but don't worry the post metal will kick in soon. It moves along with a fairly standard post metal clip.
Restore, a live song but thankfully it's not ruined like others with audience noise or poor quality (how can a wall of sonic noise and crushing heaviness be ruined right!?). Nothing surprising about this song, although there are some good, Pelican-esque, sections and some nice guitar work.
In Your Eyes. Slow, powerful and building song. Very emotional, very powerful. The best part of this EP, is that it's only 4 songs long so it does not drag on too long. Of course the songs are long enough, (and powerful enough) to satisfy you by the time it's over.
Overall, a pretty standard post metal release. While it may be unspectacular in its nature, there is some great guitar work, better drumming than we usually hear in post metal, and well constructed songs. A pretty good output, and always good if you decide to listen.
Three and a Half Stars