Phinehas - The Phinehas EP

Artist: Phinehas
Album: The Phinehas EP
Release Date: 12/15/09
Label: Independent

Some of the best bands out there today are independent. Unfortunately, this means that many won't discover them, but some will. Phinehas are a band that need to be heard. They play some of the best metalcore out there in fact, being very heavy, fast and melodic. Their self-titled EP certainly showcases this, leaving one question in mind. Why aren't Phinehas bigger than they are now?

The opening track off The Phinehas EP is uniquely titled "Well If The Earths Are Stopped, Then the Fox Faces the Hounds." It starts off with double bass drumming and quick riffs, that quickly lead to the strong screams from lead vocalist Sean McCulloch. The song certainly has a Haste The Day-influenced sound to it. Their guitarist Scotty Whelan is now in fact, a guitarist in Haste The Day. Up next is the chaotic and thrash flavored "The Jungle." A very heavy sound is found, along with some great guitar work and breakdowns.

"Panhammer" seems to have a Southern metal sound coming for the listener in the intro of the song, but soon breaks into a melodic sound, which also has anywhere from deep growls to high-pitched shrieks among the rhythmic drumming, accompanied by precise solos. The strongest track on the album comes with "I Am The Lion," which takes all the heavy and melodic elements from the EP and puts them into one song full of breakdowns and chugging guitars. It seems like it is meant for a live setting, complete with the feeling that a pit could be easily formed on listening.

The closer "Grace Disguised By Darkness" takes a bit of a progressive metal sound, which works well for them. The breakdown towards the end of the song hits me as particularly catchy and shows what Phinehas has in store for us.

Rating: 8/10 Phinehas have proven to be one of the best up and coming bands to the metal scene. Their EP shows that they are capable of becoming very big, with much talent displayed. Every breakdown and solo seems properly placed for a quality sound. Be sure to do yourself a favor and check these guys out.

Tracklisting:

1. Well If The Earths Are Stopped, Then the Fox Faces the Hounds
2. The Jungle
3. Panhammer
4. I Am The Lion
5. Grace Disguised By Darkness

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