According to the press release this is "The fourth release by the heathen metal band HAUK". I was surprised when I read this since this EP sounds like the band is still at the demo stage. The production is bad, the vocals are terrible but the songwriting is strong and overall the EP shows potential.
Best things first; The melodies and songwriting in general is good and the guitar work is very effective. There is a certain spirit harnessed in passages and moments of the songs which borderlines on something special. I imagine sitting around a campfire, roasting some meat and singing these songs loudly. Unfortunately it feels like the songs were recorded in a similar setting and the illusion is shattered again and again, partly because of the dull vocals but also because of the lacking production and this is a real shame.
Band leader Hauk should either step back from the lead singer position or miraculously improve his voice for the band to make a greater impression. He has a very limited range and his voice quickly becomes monotone even though he tries valiantly. This sometimes results in certain parts the music becoming unintentionally comic, which is obviously not the intent.
After a few listens it becomes hard to forget the entrance to the chorus in the title track, the funny theme behind
Love Song #4, the powerful guitar melody of
Lamentation or the hilarious gang vocals that appear through the four songs.
This EP has been an entertaining acquaintance but the band needs to pull themselves together if they want to go further.
Visit their MySpace to take a listen for yourself.
Written by
Steen Monday, November 24, 2008
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