Faceless EP, 2010

""Faceless" is an EP which is released by the Australian metal band Shift, and those who like freebies can freely and legally download it from the band's web page (see the entry of the release for download details).

Musically, the band draw on groove metal, through the use of groovy riffs, and alternative metal/rock, through the use of chord types which were typical of 90s alternative rock and (dis)harmonies which were associated with the Pixies-inspired noise rock of the 90s. The band tend to keep things rather minimalistic and draw a lot on repetition, but that works fine because parts that break with the otherwise repeated patterns, seem so much more powerful and notable. However, the draw back to the use of repetition is of course that the tracks may end up losing their catchiness, and I think that "Faceless" suffers a bit from this, which is a shame because there is a lot of good stuff on it and it conveys a sense of melancholy and desperation.

The vocalist has a very clear and expressive voice, which I like, but he is not afraid of yelling and screaming when the music calls for it - and, personally, I think that the vocals are one of the strongest features of this release.

Given that you can download this album freely and legally, you should check it out yourself and write a review here onProgfreak.

Downloable here: http://www.shiftband.net/albums/faceless

(review originally posted on metalmusicarchives.com)"