There is no doubt that 'Outsider' is a very fun heavy metal album. The word 'fun' might be blasphemous in the metal world but not every album has to be a dark, Satanic, unending void of darkness. That style of metal has its place and I certainly enjoy my fair share of it but, sometimes, I don't want that. Sometimes it is refreshing to jam out to an album that is void of pretense and just straight up hammers from beginning to end.
'Outsider' is definitely that album---every song is an ear grabber and catchy. The songwriting flows well, every song having its place. Of course, the pristine production makes it all the more easy to absorb the album. I suppose it could be argued the production is too good but when it comes to this style of metal, I don't see anything wrong with an album sounding like a dream. Let's leave the rough and dark mixes to black, death and doom. I want my no frills heavy metal to sound like this so every detail can be captured and, thus, transferred to my ears effortlessly.
The three band member does a fine job at their chosen craft but vocalist/bassist Jarvis Leatherby is the album's MVP. Not only does it bass slap and remain a constant highlight of the songs but his vocals are absolutely on fire. He has a loud, clear and concise singing voice that is perfectly balanced in tone and approach. He isn't overly falsetto either and can be quite expressive when the need calls for it.
Dusty Squires' drumming is on point and laser focused on an adventurous playstyle and complimenting the songs and holding down a rock solid foundation. Armand Anthony's guitars and keys are of a similar high caliber. He doesn't over use the keys but instead treats them as a necessary component when they are needed rather than just using them to fill up the space between. His guitar playing is versatile, capable of shredding out riffs for days or creating moving melodic passages. He seems equally at home playing fast paced power/heavy metal as he does slowing it down and throwing out some old school style doom riffs.
The album opens with the intro track 'Prelude,' and although I usually hate intro songs, this one does a decent job building up the momentum for the rest of the album to jump off from. It segues really well into the first proper track which is...
...'Outsider.' The vocals are immediately energetic, the lyrics and cadence as catchy as anything I've heard this year. The drums and bass dance around the riffs but hammer hard when needed, especially during the chorus. Speaking of which...if that chorus isn't stuck in your head for days then maybe you just don't like good things.
'Beyond The Grave,' slows it down to trade speed for subtleties. The songs begins with deep bass, which continues to lead the song as blanket of distortion settles over it.
As the song alternates between light and dark elements, the intensity ramps up near the end. This is a well balanced song and I find it to be one of the best on the album. The riffs and bass compliment each other welll and during the clean stanzas the drums go deep to provide a powerful backdrop for the vocals.
'Escape From Beyond,' spent a fast paced banger that doesn't let up for a second. Little flourishes of melody and blazing solos living among the riffs so there is something exciting always going on in this song. The chorus is yet again another earworm that won't soon be forgotten.
'The Wrath' is the final track that ends the album on a solid, epic fashion. The vocals soar high above the riffs, which play juat as hard and expressive. The bass brings the low end, keeping the song grounded even during the more melodic moments.
The last half the song features a passage of Supreme heaviness and even a small amount of rough vocals before ending Ina beautiful melodic movement.
NIGHT DEMON'S 'Outsider' is one hell of a surprise for this first part of the year. If you're interested in heavy music at all, this is a must listen album.
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