Unloco maim this disc with savage riffs and vocals that have no problems taking charge of the situation. Groove based while filled with punch and aggressive structure changes, the band tears open the speakers and shoves its way through powering through the disc with straight for the jugular riffs and melodic vocals. Judging from the 6 tracks included here, it wouldn't be far off to describe this band as a possible outcome of Helmet meeting nu metal. Vocals bash the music forward like an enraged psychopath clamoring to get in the door, slowing down to plead their point with a verbal tone that suggests they're at the end of their rope, only to lash out with a violent fury of deep throated guttural bursts. Taking on many faces in the range possessed, band frontman Joey can sound like a few current vocalists out there, but never sticks to one style long enough to become transparent and his emphasis on melody and build-ups pay off nicely. Guitars are brutal and almost vindictive in nature hurling out scathing full bodied riffs that run through dynamically distorted volume based shifts that feature a generally modern metal appeal. Rather than shoot for a downtuned direction, the riffs chosen here are solidly tuned but on the same regard can feel a bit Korn like during their more experimental parts, yet still are by no means done to a copycat degree. There's a few clean tone strums thrown in for good measure when the band turns down the intensity a notch but venomous almost NY hardcore meets nu metal sounding are spread upon most of the ground covered here. Bass is slightly predictable and backs up the highend with restrained riffs played at a fast pace, fortifying the foundations of the music, while adding depth and strength. Drums are moderately tuned and hammer out dulled beats that aren't afraid to include all the elements of the kit as they pound out muted rolls and skilled thundering kick drum hits that deliver an auditory body check to propel the songs forward. This foursome serve up a confident piece of modern metal angst on this disc combining mild traces of hardcore, nu metal, emo and dusting them with emotion and melody for good measure. But perhaps the bands strongest trait could also be it's biggest weakness as the hardened aggression they exude in massive amounts can become a bit static after repeated listens and although satisfyingly heavy, once the band finds its footing they tend to just keep pushing on with song structures that don't venture off far enough to provide a vivid colorful journey. Still, the band is onto something powerful and avoids the cliche watered down music out there by building up roomy songs with punishing riffage that keeps the adrenaline flowing at a consistent rate. Unloco blend an array of acrid styles into one continuos rigid blast of aural malice potent enough to corrupt on contact, and with a slightly broader scope, there won't be much left to hold the band back, or much that would even be able to for that matter.

(4 / 5)