Artist: Circle Of Tyrants
Title: Global Death Head Cancer
Type: Demo
Label: Self Released

Ach, the Scots are not without their quirks; the haggis scoffing, kilt wearing, bagpipe playing McNeighbours to the North that they are, not that I’m generalising. Yes, there is much to be learnt from them, for a sheltered English girl at least, and thanks to these guys one is now familiar with such terms as ‘Fish Supper’ (fish n’ chips to you and I) and ‘cannae’ (translates as can’t/cannot); and my favourite ‘Ach, that’s gash’ (loosely translated into English as that’s a load of shite!) which has become a staple of my vocabulary in recent years. I’ve witnessed these Glaswegians in action on several occasions and for me they have never quite hit the mark, and I guess that’s the danger when you’re on the same bill as the likes of Seregon, Gama Bomb and Pitiful Reign as it really shines the headlights on those that aren’t quite up to scratch.

The first demo received a number of criticisms from me, and I think one thing I have noticed after watching the band perform these songs is that they weren’t particularly memorable. This sees a big step up in the songwriting stakes, with more melody to be found and tunes that are far more accessible. ‘Head Hunter’ thrashes along just nicely with drums that charge full speed ahead and really this could have come off Fabulous Disaster. ‘Death In Defeat’ is fast and furious and the aggressive guitars steamroll their way into the chorus, leading a fist-pounding repetition.

The lead guitars are much stronger on this release, and seem to bring more of a classic slant to the music. This is really apparent on the third track which has a very Maiden/Conquest Of Steel-esque vibe to the playing which shows the band develop more of their own sound and escape from that trap of being another bunch of second rate thrash wannabes. The vocals, however, are a real problem here as while the anger and passion comes across it sounds forced and unnatural; imagine the cookie monster with a sore throat! Perhaps this is largely down to the production. I get the impression that these guys suffer from a lack of the financial resources that seem more than abundant in some of their peers; they’re a bit older ergo the Bank of Daddy credit card has probably long-expired…whatever, they are recording on a budget and the mix leaves a lot to be desired…

I was approached to review this album by a member of the band who trusted me to give a no-bullshit, honest and critical review and for that, they should be respected. I’ve noticed a pattern in unsigned bands; there are the ones that will launch a hate campaign against any journalist that dares to criticise them – usually these bands are pretty bad and they never amount to much; they’re more interested in getting praise and glory than improving. Then there are those that really do get somewhere, because they take criticism on board, learn something from it, work and perfect their sound until eventually they get it right. Bottom line is that while this didn’t blow me away, there is potential there and from what I can see their sound is coming along nicely. Circle Of Tyrants have the ambition and right attitude and given a couple of years I’m sure they will produce something killer.

http://www.myspace.com/circleoftyrantsthrash

Luci Herbert

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