Scorched-Earth Policy are an oddity, a band who defy classification, yet one who are extremely sharp and focused with a bruise inducing form of cut-throat metal. Like some kind of shape shifter, their sound can bring to mind Alice In Chains and Soundgarden but rather than feeling grunge inspired, they are guided by grinding percussion and a touch of new metal along the lines of Disturbed and acts like Machine Head, Stuck Mojo and Unjust. Yet despite sounding like these bands occasionally, they never become a copycat act and instead have a potent brand of musical vengeance all their own and thankfully they are more than talented enough to dish it out accordingly.

Fast paced growling vocals melt into throaty wails that keep the intensity levels roaring rather than providing a cool off period as melody is used more aggressively here than most bands. Various change ups are also in play, making each vocal excursion retain strength and not feel flat or repetitive after a few listens. Resilient and fiery, this band effortlessly combine the traditional yet fast paced aspects of metal ala Stuck Mojo, but rather than rap they prefer vocal structures that sound like the middle ground between metalcore and grunge and as such their fierce dynamics constantly charge at the listeners eardrums like a stampede of provoked rhinos. Of course the aggression isn't all the band have under their belts as there are a few almost space jam/stoner rock inspired psychedelic moments, but they are by no means slackly done and do not need the assistance of drugs to help bring out the their allure and intricacies.

When it all boils down to it though, this band have what it takes to get the energy high and although the mainstream might not be ready for such a brazen combination of old metal meets new, you can bet there will be a ton of old school metalheads who could definitely be helped brought up to speed with the assistance of this bands explosive aural mortar of a demo. Perhaps the only time the momentum can feel lost is when the solos become a bit too indulgent, but this is nothing more than a minor qualm as the four tracks contained are bone crunchingly heavy and thrive on diversity, while still being pointed and deep. It may take a bit for Scorched-Earth Policy to gain momentum as they aren't your typical run of the mill metal band, but with a bit of luck we might be in for one serious loss of habitat worldwide sometime soon.
(4 / 5)