Artist: Trials
Title: Witness to the Downfall
Type: Album
Record Label: Self Released

I don’t know so much about Trials. What I have gleaned via the worldwide information / disinformation box is that they hail from Chicago, and that there are four of them in their plucky throng. All of this is nice to know, and adds some colour, but doesn’t add much in the way of information for you, our valued readership. Take it from me then, that this, their debut album, is a pretty solid, nicely produced slab of modern metal, with more than a dash of Pantera influence in the mix. Those of you with ADHD and associated disorders may now safely search to the next review. For the more curious of our most enlightened readership, further information shall now follow.

This is nice, crunchy, solid metal with that modern approach that takes the smorgasbord design of metal. Here and there you will find the tell-tale traces of other bands to be found. By and large, you will find that the vocal delivery of Mark Sugar will remind you of Phil Anselmo at the height of his powers, while the often off-kilter guitar touches of Remy Walle also reminds of the more inventive phases of Dimebag’s oeuvre. That isn’t to say that “Witness to the Downfall” can safely be filed along all of the other “Vulgar Display” clones. Not at all. This is the sound of a band that can boast some impressive progressive touches to their music. “This is Starvation” has some almost deathly passages which remind of early Soilwork with the occasional dissonance, menacing vibe and melodic touch. “Hammer” has an almost modern Exodus approach to bruising, no nonsense riffing and attacking bass, while Sugar alternates between some cleanly sung vocals and his normal rasping delivery. “Shadows and Traps”, for me the stand-out track of the album, has an impressively oppressive atmosphere, with distorted and bent riffs that recall the best moments of slower Morbid Angel, before finally breaking into more up-tempo territory towards the end of the track.

Production wise, this is as clean and punchy as anything you will find on a major label these days. Everything sounds solid, clean and polished, with just the occasional hint of a clicky drum sound here and there. The song writing is accomplished and varied, with no hint of formula song production to be found. It is clear that the band have spent considerable time in selecting their best songs to be presented, as among the nine tracks on display, there is no trace of filler to be found. “Witness to the Downfall” stands as an extremely solid, enjoyable slab of the modern metal sound. Good stuff, to be really blunt.

http://www.myspace.com/trials

Chris Davison

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