Friday 19 July 2013

Proud Existence - The Trail (1984)

Another dose of burning metal from the Netherlands, the poorly named proud Existence were a formidable experience for their short career, just a shame they couldn't keep the metal mysticism up for more than this EP, but again, it's quite murky power metal with a sprig of thrash that comes to the fore on tracks such as 'Castle in Black' which has a real dark atmosphere to it and the riffs are superb. Vocally it's not the greatest but then again, Alex Roest isn't the worst vocalist I've ever heard. Maybe it's my imagination but so much of this stuff has a real stuffy, dense quality often due to low-budget production but I can't knock it - just bang that weary head to the fantastic 'Fast Ride' which features a killer solo and galloping drum. Immense considering it probably sold fuck all. Almost punky and Gothic in its vocals and atmosphere, 'The Trial' is quite a gem.
7/10

No comments: