(Unbiased)
San Jose’s Taunted is lastly again with new materials. 2020 full-length Songs From The Wasteland (reviewed right here) was their final launch and new EP The Harrow slashes away at a brisk tempo. It’s hard-hitting energy thrash simply in time for Halloween. It tells a “modern-day horror story” and the ghoulish effort affords a sterling mixture of Nevermore and Them.
Primary duo Jacques Serrano (vocals) and Joey Genoni (guitars) cleared the path with extra assist from Pete Aguilar on bass and Lenny Silva on drums. The vocals and guitars dominate the combination whereas the drums radiate fury, however sadly the bass is drowned out and desires extra presence. When dropping a story of horror, normally there are atmospherics concerned, however Taunted performs it straight with 4 tracks at nearly quarter-hour. The main target is an onslaught of muscled, up-tempo riffage and drumming whereas Serrano supplies the theatrics.
He’s a chameleon taking completely different shapes behind the mic with a deep vary echoing Warrel Dane whereas additionally using an aggressive midrange recalling prime Rob Halford. There are additionally some growls and high-pitched screams thrown in to intensify the occasions of the story. Spectacular efficiency!
The Harrow seems to be about demon possession, and it jumps proper into the motion. With the EP size – this isn’t about constructing suspense, creepy interludes, or spine-tingling instrumentation. It’s all concerning the motion, the sweat, the thrilling, fantastical (but horrifying) occasions.
Opener “Hellscape” is a 3-minute twister with escalating with a clear thrash break in direction of the top. “thirteenth Coil” feels shorter than it’s alleged to. Depicting a conjuration, it twirls with pressure with the wrathful refrain with diversified tempos showcasing velocity and technical precision. It’s brilliantly maneuvered, however a closing solo would have been rather more impactful after the ultimate refrain somewhat than the ending they delivered.
One other 3-minute storm “Into The Darkness” provides unreal screams from Serrano as the primary character ponders his subsequent actions on this stilted thrasher with a dense melodic solo. Nearer and title observe brings all of it collectively showcasing completely different moods with its tribalistic opening and vocal howls that includes excellent lead work excellently flashing the climax of the story.
Attention-grabbing to see in the event that they take this horror idea additional. Whereas not accessible on bodily codecs, the EP is offered on streaming providers.
