TEN FOOT REACH RECORDS – VOLUME 1

This compilation from Ten Foot Reach Records definitely gets a passing grade on a scale of fist-pumps and head-bangs. This album brings together 10 local-area bands from all around the state of Connecticut who all play their own variations of metal. With the range of styles that are on this album, I think anyone who considers roaring vocals and thrashing guitar riffs their cup of tea would be able to find at least one track here that appeals to their taste.

The first song on the album is the appropriately named Brutal Pipe Beating by 60 Grit. With some of the most ferocious vocals on the CD, it makes for a perfect introduction to Ten Foot Reach. Most of the other songs like Kings Crown, A Templar’s Lament and Everybody Down stick to this tried and true formula of fast guitar, heart-pounding drums and beastly vocals that have kept metal-lovers, well, metal-lovers for years.

Life Ain’t Like by Matthias Steele, though, takes a more classic approach to the genre. They slow the tempo down a bit and play what sounds like a throwback to early metal bands like Black Sabbath and the soon-to-follow Iron Maiden. Monstradamus change it up once again with the track Attack Of The Zebras that starts off with serene nature sounds only to lead into a 7 minute instrumental that would feel just like a punch in the face if only you didn’t like it so much.

This album does what a compilation should do, that is, give the listener something different with every song and never let them get bored. It’s a package of 13 songs that fall into their own obscure subgenres with their own style and sound, but when it all comes down to it, it’s all ruthless ‘effing metal.

TRACKLISTING

Brutal Pipe Beating – 60 Grit
A Templar’s Lament – Flu
Interplanetary Convoy – Little Hands
Hell Spot – Engraved
Bring On The Omen – SixsidedDie
Blackened Days Turned Blacker – Lament
Life Ain’t Like – Matthias Steele
Attack Of The Zebras – Monstradamus
Everybody Down – A Perfect Honesty
By Way Of Trains – Flu
Your World – SixsidedDie
King’s Crown – Honour Above All
Hell Fires Burn – Little Hands