A band I’d never heard of so I thought I should investigate. Hailing from Victoria Australia this 5 piece metal outfit plays a traditional power metal style with a modern twist with the vocals coming from a less traditional realm.
The opening I found to be a little awkward at first. I mean all the parts are there, the production is decent, the musicianship is good but it just didn’t draw any emotion from me. The opening riff has a traditional metal element (think Iron Maiden). The vocals however are not in this vein. The harsh black metalish growl I have to say was unexpected and a tad confusing at first but as the track progressed it kinda fit. The lyrics are a look into the bleak apocalyptic future of the world and its rulers, with the powers that be controlling every corner of humanity, and a call to stand against it.
The second song Devil in the Dust however had a completely different feel. It still with the traditional metal kind of groove but the vocal on this one hit the spot giving it a much more modern feel (think modern parkway drive). The gang vocal in the chorus threw me a bit but after a few listens it’s a grower. The middle four riff is killer and the slower drum roll out of it back to the verse got a nod of approval from me.
Chasing Shadows is next and starts off again with that Iron Maiden-style riff with the guitars harmonising on the melody. These guys do this really well and are obviously talented players. Vocals are once again that harsh growl but also switch to a deep bellowing part and a strong singing vocal in the chorus. I’m not sure if it’s the same vocalist or backing from another member but it rocks. The double-tracking harmonies on the lead are also cool Af. This track is by far my favourite of the ep.
Bones is next up with similar meat and potato style riffage, and good chugging banging music but the vocal has a bit more tone in his growl this time which is a good addition. The gang backups add a good punch. The vocal is the stand out in this one, the guy sounds like he’s getting more confident and comfortable with each track.
Closing out is suffocate with a heavy anthrax influence in the riff. ( gotta love some anthrax aye!!!). Not as strong vocally but the shred in this is next level with the pulsing bass really coming through underneath.
Having never heard of Distorta before, I had the luxury of having no preconceived ideas of expectation which was a good change and after the first track I wasn’t sure it would be for me. But, as per usual I was wrong. This ep is a solid listen with many parts that will make the pickiest metal head pull that dirty scowl and nod back and forth. The production is really good with the only slight fault I could pick being the drums a tad forward in the mix but you could probably put that down to guitarist bias. All in all a good listen. Check out Distorta
Distorta: Facebook
Release Year: 2023
Label: self-released
Category: EP
Country: Australia
Reviewed by THD (the hole digger)
