SAVAGE HANDS

The Truth In Your Eyes SHARPTONE

Southern US metalcore debutants firing on all cylinders

These Maryland metalcore newcomers are steeped in sincerity and balls-to-thewall breakdowns. Charged by the pit-worthy energy of opener Memory, their debut effort delivers a multifaceted statement of intent. From heavenly vocal highs to demonic lows, Lonely

teases Savage Hands’ range before unleashing it full throttle for the contagious

Break The Ice and manic highlight Crazy. Demon

introduces the band’s wildcard: menacing rap breakdowns blended with crisp riffs portrayed with authentic rage. Neatly working in the strippedback Rotten Soul and the towering, emotional Washed Away, splashing neartheatrical sass over Never Change and chucking in

Bloodshot’s hardcore tempo for good measure, Savage Hands offer true promise.

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FOR FANS OF: Escape The Fate, Issues, Memphis

May Fire

ALI COOPER also offers breathtaking virtuosity. Bumblefoot’s guitar playing is astonishing, while Derek Sherinian adds dramatic keyboard flamboyance as vocalist Jeff Scott Soto soars and swoops with outrageous command. And is there a better rhythm section than bassist Billy Sheehan and drummer Mike Portnoy? The tracks are all intelligent yet in your face. King Of Delusion is brooding, Wither To Black

belches fire and Resurrection Day is a tornado of riffs amid an angry melody. A full-on triumph. ■■■■■■■■■■

FOR FANS OF: Deep Purple, Dream Theater, Rainbow MALCOLM DOME