THE OFFERING

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Eclectic power metallers prove more rind than cheese

This Boston, Massachusetts quartet concoct an intriguing blend of technical power metal fused with elements of metals thrash, death and nu. To say they invented the hybrid (as their Facebook biography suggests) is a stretch, but it’s certainly a powerful and exhilarating combination. Deep subdrops rub shoulders up against savage guitar tones and blistering lead lines, while the more extreme elements curtail the whiff of cheese that often dominates power metal.

It’s not until the final song, Home’s 15-minute title track, that The Offering show all that much sonic variance and, consequently, it’s by far the album’s highlight. There could have been a few more memorable vocals hooks scattered throughout as well, but there’s enough on this debut full-length to appease those who like the sound of power metal delivered with more spite and grit than many of their contemporaries.

FOR FANS OF: Between The Buried And Me, Bleeding Through, Dragonforce