Scarlet

Considering the vigour and inspiration this album conveys, it will certainly attain the status their title pretentiously predetermines. As it begins, squealing Dillinger mosh erupts into a scorching, heavier Meshuggah-esque rhythm, setting the scene for the rest of the album. They are quite capable of competing with the tech heavyweights and don’t overdo high-speed tempos or floor punching breakdowns. Two years of work paid off. Scarlet have a shrewd ability to construct memorable hooks and utilise seemingly endless ideas to create an excellent whole. Most albums cannot live up to their initial fury and originality but Scarlet have managed to tap a vein of resourcefulness that underscores a brutal and dramatic epic poem. The palpable and vaguely insightful cultural references are reminiscent of bands like Every Time I Die with the vocalist dipping into the same anguished, perceptible howl. During several of the slowed, singing parts the demented and taunting ruminants of the Deftones make a noticeable appearance in their sound. The mundane sexual references are the only exasperating aspect. The amount of pure rock and roll behind "Mr. Big shot, Mr. Cheap shot, hey whatever makes you come” will dig this one into the violent infamy of the pit.