The debut album from Chicago's Janus is going to make a lot of people sit up and take notice. With a splash on the metal scene that should create a tidal wave, Janus is poised to wash away all the wannabes. A unique blend of metal and melodic vocals delivered by new sensation David Scotney, it won't be long before those patented screams and pleasing clean vocals are going to be as recognizable to all as let's say Geddy Lee.
Vocals are not the only thing that makes this band, not by a long shot. Scotney might be the voice that delivers the message but it is the powerful guitar of Mike Tyranski that is the anchor of this ship called Janus. He demonstrates an ability to put an edge to their music that would otherwise not be there. He along with his favored Paul Reed Smith axe is an absolute sonic ball of fire! He told me he is influenced by Tool, Helmet and Coheed & Cambria. With such varied musical interest, it is no wonder that the music they create reflects the same diversification.
Mike tells me that they take their name from the Roman god of gates and doors. He further went on to tell me that the title of the album refers to the nautical term used for the safe return of ships. They use the term Red Right Return to signify the stifling of creativity by record companies and their rebellion against this trend. It is the band saying they want to go back to the days where the joy was in creating the music, not just making money.
From the moment that "Six Letters Sent" begins your journey through the gates that Janus opens for you, the scope of this band will become apparent. Thrashing guitar work along with Scotney providing the dynamic vocal gymnastics, you will be sucked into the melodic metal world that Janus has created. Once inside the whirlpool, they then hit you with the brooding "If I Were You". It's as if the band is determined to keep you on edge as they open up yet another musical door. The cool thing is that there are 10 different opportunities on this disc to sample the exotic work of this band. My personal favorite is the song "Eyesore". This is where you get a sample of Tyranski's ability to scream like the best of them.
I cannot say enough good things about this album. It is one that will haunt you so you might as well give in and join Janus on their climb to the top of the melodic metal mountain!
Track listing:
1. Six Letters ASent
2. If I Were You
3. Maybe Its You
4. Say It
5. Eyesore
6. Skin Deep
7. Your Arms
8. The Nerve
9. Stranger
10. 100 years
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