BEFORE THE EYEWALL

Slightly better than generic post-metal, the self-titled album from Before the Eyewall has all the ingredients: Detuned, thick guitar, powerful drums, and a near constant emphasis on the low end. It's a clear exposition of raw talent; I only wish there were something unique to better set this music apart from the many other bands of the genre.

"SKYRISES" After some vacuum-like droning, the band erupts in a low rumbling sludge that wanes to something enigmatic and coherent. The second half provides fiendish dual lead guitar.

"Path of Ash and Desperation" A desolate atmosphere collapses under the weight of thick, snarling guitars. More than a few interesting textures provide this lengthy piece with an eclecticism that still never moves away from post-metal territory.

"Tome of the Concentric Eye" More moderately paced sludge metal, this third track has more concentrated punch than the previous ones.

"SKYFALLS" Before I even heard this track, I correctly predicted that it would be a mellow bit of tranquility. Perhaps ironically, it's the best piece on the album, suggestive of star gazing on a cool October night.