Artist: Ruins Of Earth
Title: Ashes Of The Ocean
Type: MCD
Label: Self Released

It appears that this CD was released in 2009 so quite whether this is still relevant to any newer material the guys have put together is up to your own research I guess. Listening to this CD gave me hints of Unearth, though not as accomplished obviously, but the signs are there. After yet another dreary intro to a CD “Dark Skies” is awash with plenty of riffs but the mix is clumsy and unbalanced when various facets are playing, such as when the lead is played the sound fluctuates downwards and resurges when the rhythm reappears again. Vocally this is your usual scream and growl alternation which has been done to oblivion in the metalcore scene.

As ever bands of this ilk have yet to branch out of their comfort zone and try some experimentation to catch their fanbase off guard and give the less narrow-minded something to say. There is huge Unearth trait (“Sanctity Of Brothers”) that starts “The Serpent’s Curse” with the widdle fret acrobatics being too damn obvious to me right down to the double bass that kicks in as well. I wish there was something to say that makes this stand out in any way above its compatriots but unfortunately there isn’t. Though it’d be unfair to say this is not worthy of checking out as all the tunes have something that is enjoyable whether it’s the leads, the quirky guitar riffing or just the nice bounce that inevitably nestles within the structure of songs like this. Not rubbish by any means but lacking the power and charisma to get itself noticed beyond their own region.

http://www.myspace.com/ruinsofearth