It's been two years since the Hungarian progressive-metal outfit Solar Scream released its debut EP, Ground Level, but these guys must just recently have gotten around to promoting it. The disc features five original songs and a cover of Depeche Mode's "In Your Room." That's right, Depeche Mode. It's a fitting choice, considering the metallic coldness of Solar Scream's ambient sound. Cringe-worthy vocals sung in English, rambling arrangements and flat production make this 36-and-a-half-minute listening session seem much longer. One of the few highlights comes during a soaring (and searing) guitar solo on "This Order," the best song of this bunch. Also worth noting is the recent departure of bassist Csabesz Völgyesi, who brought his Rage Against the Machine and Pantera influences to the songwriting table. But even with a revised lineup, the members of Solar Scream will need to make some major changes in practically all areas if they want to be heard at an elevation higher than ground level. A band with a history dating back to the mid-Nineties should know better ...
Track Listing:
1) Subsurface
2) Ground Level
3) Dead Like Stones
4) This Order
5) Transgression
6) In Your Room
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