CoC : Maple Cross - Promo 1/02 : Review

Maple Cross - _Promo 1/02_
by: Pedro Azevedo (3 out of 5)

Originally formed in 1985(!) and with seven(!!) demos and a full-length CD in their bag, Maple Cross eventually split up in 1995, after having played more than 200 live shows, according to the band. Having now reformed, Maple Cross are back with eight new tracks, three of which made their way onto this demo CD. I have no idea what Maple Cross used to sound like, but that's probably not much of an issue anyway: this reformation features only the original vocalist, or should I say, screamer and part-time singer. Somewhere between hard rock and heavy metal, Maple Cross alternate between chunky riffs and melodic choruses in an unfailingly predictable way throughout the opening track, then go into a faster and less memorable style for the last couple of songs. They are quite adept at both styles, but don't seem to come up with anything especially remarkable in the long run. The shrill vocals certainly won't be everyone's cup of tea, but instrumentally the band fares quite well. A decent effort overall, but nothing special.

Contact: maplecross@surfeu.fi

(article published 3/7/2002)