SHRINEBUILDER

In essence, I would describe Shrinebuilder's debut as heavier Led Zeppelin or Ozzy Osbourne with deep vocals and mild growling- the overall sound isn't quite metal, just brooding and dense hard rock. I don't particularly care for the overall muffled sound. A brusque project, it is very good but unoriginal.

"Solar Benediction" A heavy riff leads this thick rock excursion. The slowest-paced part of the track is the best, I think, as it combines intelligent, almost Alice in Chains-like riffs on bass and drums with multiple guitars wailing over them.

"Pyramid of the Moon" After a biting introduction, the band tapers off for a vocal section, sang deeply over a muggy, saturated guitar tone and laidback rhythm section. There are haunting and later monotonous vocals, which tend to be effective in building tension. Unfortunately, Shrinebuilder does nothing with that pent-up tension.

"Blind for All to See" This one begins with a funky bass groove and solid drumming. The vocals are low and dark. It mostly maintains the same pace. The only thing I really don't care for is the guitar tone.

"The Architect" Relying mostly on their formulaic sound, Shrinebuilder does offer intriguing and fuzzy guitar harmonies on "The Architect." A swampy bass riff unexpectedly concludes the song.

"Science of Anger" Dual buzzing-and-screeching guitars open the final piece. It relies on a heavy riff and barked vocals. The growling is adolescent-sounding (how often is it not?), but overall, I hear some modern Ozzy Osbourne influence through this somewhat dissonant and moody rocker. Not bad, although it overstays its welcome.