22/07/02

EXTOL / UNDECEIVED

Hailing from the land of the Viking, this is Extols first international release but I can tell you it won't be the last as this is truly superb. Mixing Death and Progressive Metal with touches of Folk, Classical and even Jazz, they sound similar to Borknagar but on a wider soundscape making this a very interesting mix to listen to.

Kicking off with the title track "Undeceived" Extol start off in a classical mood but swiftly hit you over the back of the head with an awesome Death Metal attack, but that doesn't mean that it's all full on as there is plenty of light and shade.

The Track "Time Stands Still" is a rollercoaster ride from start to finish with so many metallic twist and turns it will make your head spin, but very enjoyable just the same. The staccato Avnet Garde Jazz tinged runs and harmonies of "Ember" are proof positive of Extols creative and imaginative writing talents bringing a new dimension to the Death Metal genre that will excite and intrigue many a Metal fan.

"Shadow Of Death" the final track sounded familiar and it took me a while to track it down but it was done originally by a band called Believer and although it's a cover they have updated it and injected it with their own sound.

I know that Extol are not exactly a new band as they have been around since '94 but they are new to the international arena and this is a very good start and I can thoroughly recommend Undeceived

DOWNLOAD : "Ember" from the Century Media site above

TOTAL PLAYING TIME = 65 mins + 14 TRACKS