Despite the local praise they've already received, Jersey outfit Strength In Numbers have had some considerable expectations placed upon them with "The Veil". The first outside act signed to Ironbound Recordings, a new label headed up by E.Town Concrete frontman Anthony Martini; they not only have to prove themselves, but help to set the bar for the quality of acts and future releases from Ironbound as well.

If "The Veil" is any indication, Ironbound are definitely on the right track. An energized combination of Bay Area thrash, early hardcore and a touch of modernized metalcore muscle, the group bring to mind Diecast or Killswitch Engage raised on a heavy diet of early Metallica. The included production talents of Eric Rachel (Zao, Hatebreed) alone capture their dynamic sound, and with additional help from Dallas Coyle of God Forbid, this release feels extremely well put together.

Despite the abundance of melodic wails present, the band still manage to avoid the macho bravado or emo vulnerability that seems standard these days. Instead they parlay the duality of their growling and singing into a consistent force as they punch through a number of unified leads and breakdowns with a very traditional feel. Their hardcore influences are definitely present, but they hail back to the genre's early days and add a stiffness necessary to keep up the materials aggressive posturing.

Obviously, this throwback style of modern metal structuring mixed with pioneering influences is anything but unique. But while many bands go overboard or try way too hard to be the next monster of metal, Strength In Numbers instead take it one step at a time. It may not be innovative, but it's done with enough refinement and honest intent to deserve more than a few listens by anyone who enjoys their metal multi-tiered.