Man Made Mountains hail from Vancouver, British Columbia, and this is their self-titled debut on Reversed Records. These guys have all the energy and aggression of an extreme metal band, yet there's plenty of industrial, prog, gothic, and groove elements to be heard throughout this six song CD. The band is comprised of Laurence Butler (drums), Adrian Doering (guitar), Brynne Ewart-Armostrong (bass/vocals), and Christian Carmen (vocals/guitar/synth guitar/samples). Influences seem to range from Fear Factory, Opeth, Tool, My Dying Bride, and Warrior Soul, so expect lots of variety here, as the band keeps the listener guessing most of the way through this self-titled release. Kick off track "Rippage" features lots of crunching riffs and growls, yet there are moments of psychedelia and stark tranquility. "Ensnarlment" sees the Fear Factory/Warrior Soul influence come into full swing, industrial elements clash with 90's metal, Christian's vocals all over the map, clean, shouted, and growls among them. The brooding "Nothing to Right Home About" is a short proggy number with some gorgeous guitar & synth tapestries, which gives way to the groove laden rocker "Vulpine", a totally different beast from the rest of the CD, male & female vocals, jangly guitar chords combating massive riffs, and pounding rhythms make for one powerful anthem. It's back to a proggy interlude on "Sleep Drowning (On Your Chinterlude)", and the CD ends with the atmospheric progressive metal track "Tribes of Mular", a tune that features some impressive guitar work and layers of different vocal styles.
This is some impressive stuff, and at barely over 30 minutes, it almost seems like a bit of a teaser. Man Made Mountains are definitely a band to watch out for, as it's evident by this CD that these guys have plenty of chops and songwriting skills to make a name for themselves in todays metal scene.
Track Listing
01. Rippage
02. Ensnarlment
03. Nothing To Right Home About
04. Vulpine
05. Sleep Drowning (On Your Chinterlude)
06. Tribes of Mular
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