ELEMENT

'Bleed On My Own' is a re-issued demo CD from Wigan based UK thrash band Element. Originally released last year as 'Just Desires', a lineup change has prompted the re-issue to also incorporate some new material - 'Downfall' and the EP's title track. Combining the early 80s metal sound of Metallica's prime with the 90s riff-led groove of Pantera, Element's music carries an emphatic retro thrash vibe. Listening beyond the somewhat primitive production (of which frontman Adam Calderbank forewarned me!), the generally up tempo thrash riffing is fairly infectious and, although clichéd, fits well into some skilfully composed songs. My main criticism of Element lies with the singing which varies in quality from the likeable low tones of Calderbank's voice over the clean guitar passages of 'Just Desires' to the less aurally pleasing half-sung/half-shouted vocals on 'Downfall' which waver in and out of tune in an almost punk-style manner. The guy can clearly sing, though he audibly struggles when 'shouting' where he becomes tonally flat and sharp in his attempted Hetfield-esque delivery. That said, Element are still an enjoyable listen, and Andy Higham's guitar solos on the first two tracks impress. Living in times where retro-thrash seems to be fashionable once again in the metal world with the huge popularity of Trivium et al, there is certainly a market out there for bands such as Element. Planning to record their debut album early next year, I shall be intrigued to hear their material with a better production and, hopefully, improved vocals.

LABEL:

FORMAT:

Self-released demo

EP

BLEED ON MY OWN

Review by Mark Holmes

RUNNING TIME:

42:49

RELEASE DATE:

2007

TRACK LISTING

1) Downfall
2) Bleed On My Own
3) Just Desires
4) Forged Existence
5) Attire of a God
6) Inner Strength
7) Untold (Outro)

COUNTRY OF ORIGIN:

UK

"Combining the early 80s metal sound of Metallica's prime with the 90s riff-led groove of Pantera, Element's music carries an emphatic retro thrash vibe."