Six albums and several line up changes the British bangers have slowed things down to prove they are more than just a thrash band. The Metallica influence still hangs heavy over their sound , though considering this band was started as a Metallica tribute band I guess you can say they have been true to their roots. When they lean away from the Metallica, adding things like gang vocals, it feels like they are more comfortable in their own skin musically. Ol Drake's vcal still holds some of the Hetfield roar. but it is not as glaring.
I am not sure how wise of a move it is to write a power ballad in the vein of "Nothing Else Matters" . I do think you get to hear Drake step out from the shadow of his influences at times on this one. When they do thrash out on "Sleepless Eyes' it reminds me more of Megadeth, aside from the baritone snarl. Not sure if speed really needed to be indulged here, but that is what happens .They pick up the pace at an even more rabid rate with "Out of Sight" which does not really resonate as strongly with me. I think the deliberate "At Mirror's Speech" works much better.
"Reap What You Sew" is effective at what they set out to do. It hammers just enough under the forceful vocals to fit together with enough hook to keep your interest. The most original thing ever ? No. What they are good at what they do.f "Beginning of the End" finds it locked in a more grooving stomp that works with the vocals. It might not have the most graceful chorus, but it still works well enough, with things speeding up toward the end of the song, though not as fast as the frantic pace of the last song. This finds "Balance of Time" feeling rush, and the vocals having to work against the riff to fit into the song. I will give this album an 8, I appreciate when they slow down to focus on songs even if it leaves them in more of a middle of the road position. Not something I am into enough to listen to again, but fans of more mainstream metal sounds will take comfort in this album.
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