Matryx
Untitled release
Reviewed by Doug Van Pelt
Here's some information on Matryx! They were formed in 1983 and have gained a dedicated following in the Louisville, Kentucky and Southern Indiana area. They've played concerts and in clubs with a theatrical show. They use "dramatic lighting effects, fog, dry-ice, explosions and bizarre costumes." They have over 40 original songs and three studio demo tapes; PG-13, Monkey See Monkey Do and Silent Madness. The sound on PG-13 and Silent Madness remind me a bit of old AC/DC and old Raven. Kind of a raw energy with lots of a rebellious sound. In this case, it isn't rebellion from authority and parents, but rebellion from the world's corruption and the devil. There is some impressive guitar work here. Troy Thompson, I'm sure, attracts a lot of attention in concert. This band is a trio. Troy plays guitar and composes the music, while Dale Thompson sings and plays bass, plus writes the lyrics. Steve Gilbert plays the drums. "What's the Point" is a creative song with a very catchy melody. The lyrics, "Je-sus ne-ver wan-ted it to be this way," stay in your head long after hearing the song. That's a good quality to have in a song. People remember you that way. "What Must I Do" starts off with a climbing guitar scale with the drums kicking in like a pulse every so often. I love it when bands do that. The drum beats seem to freeze the sound, then the guitar returns until the drums are hit again. (It reminds me of a song called "Seven 8" by the Mark Williamson Band - a heavy/creative pop band from England, on Myrrh Records.) "Look at Me Now" is a screamer that definitely establishes the band as metal. I just wonder what expensive production would make this band sound like. I bet great! They are hoping to be signed by a record company. They are currently working with Rick Long of Morada Records. Let's hear it for Morada. They are starting lots of metal bands on their way today. Saint, Messiah Prophet and Rob Cassells have got going because of Morada. They are like an obedient servant. They are serving the Lord faithfully and haven't gotten much attention. When I first got the Matryx demo (Dale was nice enough to send me one), I played it while I opened up letters from Heaven's Metal subscribers. I didn't really get to hear it, and it didn't appeal to me. Now that I've actually sat down and listened to it, I like it. If you would like to order any of Matryx's recordings, send $6 to Dale Thompson, Route 1, Box 115-A, West Point, KY 40177. (502) 922-4628. They also have t-shirts for $10. Check it out and lift them up in prayer!