EP Review: Out Of Darkness - Seize The Day (Modern Metal, 2020)

Brent Smedley is widely known as the longtime drummer of Iced Earth. I was surprised to learn that he has a side-project with vocalist/guitarist Eric Barrios called Out Of Darkness. The seven songs that he has put out via Bandcamp are heavy music no question. But they are far more.

Can the release shed some light into your day?

They offer a look outside of the box. The opener "OH MY" already spreads this open mindness. Other tracks like "I surrender" are heavier material with a very modern metal take to the sound. I disliked the high-toned sound. It's way to harsh in my ears. 

Happily it's not the common sound of the release. The title-track "Seize the day" features rough vocals but riffs lighter through the speakers. It's going more into the groove metal style. It's also modern but not stressing my nerves like so many modern releases only going for brutality. 

"KNTRL" varies between direct and straight metal notes and more vocal heavyness. I like the moments when it's lighter with melodies flying around. My favorite of the EP since it has a slightly calming effect on me.

A ballad is also present of this first attempt. It's called "Freedom to be free" and shines with spoken elements at the proper moments. But the refrain is big and massive as you would expect of such a track with multiple vocal layers as a special in here.

Finally a midtemp song closes the package. It's riffs keep it compact and and the duration short so it may have been the last ideas the guys had at the rehearsals. Anyway it shows that this is a release of the moment - a authentic one.

All in all a solid release that opened my ears. The former duo surely has ambitions and I'm curious to see where this project may go to in the future. The album is available as download or CD on Bandcamp.

American Standards sends activating life message

"Every moment is a new chance" (Quote of the movie poster for 8 Mile)

Yes, this saying in fact comes of the poster for a rap movie but it brings my thoughts up to the point. Any given day is a something great if we're given it. But how should we use the time we get?

The chaotic hardcore/noise punk band American Standards out of Phoenix, AZ has given a great answer to this. The statement of vocalist Brandon Kellum touched with a dark yet activating message that explains the meaing of the video single that you can watch below: "Carpe Diem, Tomorrow" is about getting out of your comfort zone. Being open to new experiences and ways of thinking. Moving is living. You're not getting any younger and there will never be a "right time" so do something that scares the hell out of you every day of your life."

While the track may sound a bit vicious on the first listening it grew on me with every listen. In fact I think it's more of a special art to make a song sound like this. While it starts sorted it unfolds to the heavier side and it's spreading energy through various ways and passages. All the while the energy level is kept high and kicking pressing it's hard message with every word. Make sure to have a eye on the lyrics in the song description on Youtube.

If you like what you hear make sure to head on over to Bandcamp to listen to the full album "Anti-Melody". There's much more there to discover and the DIY band has put in lot's of energy to give you more food for thought this way.

A bandpicture of American Standards, Photo Credit: Jacob Reynolds

You can follow American Standards via Facebook or Instagram for all the latest information on upcoming shows etc.