Stegel are a melodic hardcore band with a crunchy metallic edge who cite Will Haven, Vision of Disorder and Tool as influences. With this, their second release we see a big step up in quality from the first release, aptly named 'demo'. With Overton Special they can now consider themselves serious contenders and begin to break away from being just another 'local act'. On offer here are effectively 4 songs with a closing instrumental track. Opening song Factory is both rhythmic and energetic without being to threatening. Singer Bri Hill's strained vocals are immediately apparent, sounding as though each breath is his last, but not content with just screaming, he also sings and it provides a much-welcomed change of pace within the song. Musically tight and well structured there's plenty to keep the listener interested thanks to its dynamics. F.O.C (Fuck Off Cunt) is more of a straight metal affair. The song slowly builds up the anticipation and sweat levels before Bri Hill welcomes you in with his now trademark stab like vocals. Arecibo shows a different, more broad appealing, side to the vocal talents of Bri Hill, whilst Albino will have you wind milling and forming small circle pits. Vivienne closes things off nicely, this guitar only instrumental starts off acoustic but it doesn't take long to hit the distortion pedal. Like a seething wall of noise the only thing that's missing is a vocal line. But then it wouldn't be an instrumental would it? But really, I think its a shame as I feel it would have provided a different backdrop to his voice as opposed to the harder songs on the cd. I cant really fault this cd but I know that as they feel more at ease with themselves and their style, better is to come.
(4 / 5)