Some bands need a lot of time to find just the right lineup and the right sound at the right time before unleashing a recording on the world. Case in point: Melbourne Death/Thrash Metal three piece Humonic, who formed in 1998, but have only now released their first proper release, the 'Born Evil' EP.
Time delays aside, this seven track effort kicks off with an unlisted, horror movie-style intro. Not particularly scary or intimidating, but hey, it's at least kept short. This then leads into the huge-sounding guitars, incessant blasts and groove riffs of 'The Prayer', one of the better songs on this disc. Blood splattered grooves ala Carcass or Suffocation, a huge dash of Sepultura and Kreator-style Thrash, a hint of Entombed's Death 'n' Roll, Progressive tendencies ala latter day Death ('Psychotic'), underpinned by throaty vocals and a select use of melody. 'We Won't Fall' is nice and aggressive Thrashy fare, and the title track makes use of beefy riffage, and it's slower, rolling grooves and more abrasive parts make for some neat musical juxtaposition and an ambient atmosphere.
There's nothing particularly fresh or original about any of the tracks on 'Born Evil' (they manage to steal a few riffs here as well), but it gets the job done, and doesn't compromise for anyone. It isn't likely to rate anywhere near the best Australian Metal releases of 2007, but it does give you something to think about for the future. Bring on their debut full-length.
- Spiritech
(See reviewer's scoring method)
