Reviewer: Chris

Canada’s Lethal Halo offers up a four-song EP of melodic ‘core metal that is not exactly rife with lasting effect. The music simply fails to move me anywhere, and throughout I’m finding myself fighting hard to remain focused, and for me that’s quite rare.

Within four tracks we have a literal snooze fest with music that is so steeped in transparency and uninspired melodies that I sincerely can’t even focus. The growling vocals are repetitive and annoying to the point of ignorant simplicity, absolutely making an already dull EP worse. I’m not sure what the goal was here, but it absolutely missed the mark. When the clean vocals do kick in and battle the growls for supremacy it’s almost laughable, and while it pains me to urinate on anyone’s efforts I simply can’t find anything memorable in here. In fact, the clean vocals are so off-key that even the most underground punk band would find Lethal Halo obtuse.

There are some decent melodies here, particularly in “Lost in the Labyrinth,” but it’s not nearly enough to save an otherwise subpar effort by a decently talented band. The music herein is okay, nothing special, but the style is so very garage-like that it seems uninspired and messy. Again, the vocals absolutely kill it for me because, unlike many growlers out here, this style sounds so forced and uneven that I am distracted rather than engaged. I have barely ever been so happy for a recording to end like I was with this one, and I truly hate to say that but I was simply having a hard time remaining even close to interested.   

Release Date: February, 2010
Label: Band Self Released

TRACK LISTING

1.  Necessary War
2.  Apathy
3.  End of Days
4.  Lost In the Labyrinth

Total playing time:  19:34

*By clicking "Submit" you agree to the following Terms of Use. You agree not to post any material that is obscene, slanderous, or threatening, or that may violate any law of your country of origin or the United States or of international law. Should you wish to restrict viewing of your email address by third parties, you must select "Hide My Email." You agree to indemnify and hold harmless Metal Psalter from any claims, actions, suits, damages, or other costs arising out of any breach of these Terms of Use.

*Comments:

Lethal Halo - Lethal Halo EP

October 29, 2010