Reality
[demo]
Reviewed by Doug Van Pelt
Here's some good melodic metal with lots of good ideas, but weak production, vocals, and a lack of aggression hold these songs back from truly bowling you over. This is obviously a demo and not a professional performance (and everyone in the band is between 16 and 17 years old), so I'll stick to the material. "Shine As A Light" carries some good energy and follows a good commercial formula. "You And Me" is a poor ballad written for someone with a much fuller sounding voice, since so many of the phrases are carried out. "Crucifixion, Death-Resurrection" is a hard driving song with thin guitar tones and a gravelly alto-like voice that does articulate well, especially with the Scandinavian accent to boot. A really cool line of "God sent His Son to you" is delivered over a well-planned rhythm, giving it that "stop and listen" feel. "Why?" is probably the best cut, with its strong guitar sounds and vocal melodies. For ordering info, write: Reality, c/o Bjero Hildebrandt, Hakon 7. veg., 4700 Vennesla, Norway.