There’s a small revolution bubbling underneath the surface of the U.K rock scene. A new wave of bands likes Breed 77, Vacant Stare, Hundred Reasons and Miocene are preparing to infiltrate the market dominated by fashionable American bands. I’ve been waiting for this Vacant Stare demo for what seems an eternity so when it finally arrived with just 3 songs I was a little disappointed, but, if this short but sweet offering is anything to go by then Vacant Stare have an extremely bright future. First song 'come face up' is like an attack on the senses. With so much going on including the dj’s handy work it’s hard to appreciate and take in all at once. Instead, you will appreciate it the more and more you listen. The music is intensely heavy and vocals are diverse as manning raps, screams and shouts in a style all of his own and the chorus is so brutal it will have you moshing next to your stereo. As the lyrics imply, this song will indeed “hit you like a heavyweight”. The production courtesy of the much sought after Andy Sneap is spot on and totally in keeping with the bands fresh modern sound. Second track 'Prognosis' is less in your face but equally as brutal. The verses are menacing and the chorus, in typical Vacant Stare fashion, is designed to strip paint from walls. The demo is ended with 'W.M.F.M.S' and is a fast frantic and fairly straightforward affair. Slightly hardcore in places this is a perfect song to round off with and more than demonstrates their fearsome intent. Whilst strictly speaking this band are doing nothing new, they still manage to capture your attention and any fan of slipknot, machine head or bands of that genre will find vacant stare appealing. These 3 tracks leave you breathless.....a full length should definitely have some kind of warning sticker.
(4 / 5)