Cheva's latest EP "Misunderstood" packs a new metal punch that comes complete with emo knuckles and a rapcore swing. Sounding influenced by groups like the Deftones and perhaps Engine No. 9, they kick out driving modern sounding metal with reckless abandon and a gritty edge, charging forth with each track aiming to kill.

Vocally, band frontman Santos shows shades of Deftones frontman Chino Moreno's older work, occasionally switching it up with a few raps and some unbridled screams. Guitar work follows through underneath, using Korn like ambiance and distorted noise to build up energy, before cutting loose with modest detuned riffs. Meanwhile, bass tumbles along in the background, slowly rolling forward and at times shoving its way to the spotlight with a few slides or catchy loops. The drum work is slightly repetitive, though it forms a tight connection with the bass, creating a cohesive, yet overall bland percussive journey.

The bands two guitarists manage to create an interesting connection at times, trading searing distorted noise back and forth, a technique no doubt influenced by Korn. Overall though, the songs seem to lack a general tightness and the band stick to the same riffs and structures way too often. There's also a general roughness that outlines the bands work and makes the songs feel a bit uninspired, almost as if they have the potential and energy, but aren't exactly sure of what to do with it. There's a few glimpses of hope here and there, but after a few listens its hard not to think that Cheva are at the moment, just another new metal band still on the path of finding their own identity. By no means though are they a bad group, but with countless other bands sharing the same ideas and sounds, they will have a hard time breaking loose from the pack if some creative song writing isn't put into place.