Shallow waters may not run deep, but Shallow Water Grave's ties to Shai Hulud sure do. Featuring members of Zombie Apocalypse, the band also originally had former Shai Hulud frontman Geert Van Der Velde handle the two demo tracks tacked onto the end of this release.

Hulud business aside though, Shallow Water Grave are one of the rare anomalies that surface within the metalcore/hardcore scene every so often. A band who essentially doesn't change the formula or stray from the norm, yet delivers enough intensity and bold faced determination that they succeed on their own terms.

Chockfull of overpowering breakdowns (including a crushing drum fest highlight), chugging riffs, gang vocals, harsh barks and more, Shallow Water Grave prove that even with some of the most basic of ingredients, a veritable feast can be made. With a pitbull-like attitude that sees them refusing to relent and a penchant for rhythmic shredding, the group readily take on all comers.

It's not all brute force though, as they do inject some graceful playing and layering into their craft. Despite their admirable qualities though, the lack of material on hand here does work against them and it'd be far more interesting to see what they could do with room to stretch their legs. But as it stands, those who've lost their faith due to every myspace bargain-bin metalcore act that's come out in the past few years, just may be able to believe again.