CoC : Feral Horde - Demo 2002 : Review

Feral Horde - _Demo 2002_
by: Alvin Wee (3 out of 5)

While three points might seem a tad generous given the mediocrity of the three tracks on offer, these Canadians must be credited with pulling off a fair number of stunts while never quite crystallizing their vision. Opener "Holy Vermin" initially comes across as a mish-mash of incoherent riff- and tempo-switches, only to break into more structured segments which hint at the band's hidden knack for crafting uniquely explosive passages. A somewhat mixed bag of ideas, some of which fortunately jump out as being highly promising. The second track takes down the speed a notch, cleaning the sound up for a much more focussed excursion in mid-'90s melodic Swedish riffery. While arguably more conventional than the first track, "Tool of Damnation" nevertheless stands the band in much better stead in terms of maturity and cohesiveness, remaining well-structured and developed throughout. The final live track showcases the band as a particularly convincing live act, blazing ahead with bold conviction and fierce melody, if one were to overlook the lapses into unmoderated chaos in the middle of the track (an unfortunate quirk of the band, it seems). Still, I wouldn't write off these boys entirely; a few solid months of writing and rehearsal should see Feral Horde developing the flashes of brilliance here into a full blown assault.

Contact: feralhorde@hotmail.com

(article published 13/5/2003)

ALBUMS
12/26/2003	A Wee	6.5	Feral Horde - Progressive Downfall