Guitarist Alex Araya seems to be a man driven by personal standards and their underlying need to create something expressive. From his time in death metal acts Evisceration and Loss Of Lucidity, to the aggro-rhythmic sludge of Lotek Cruiser, Alex pursued his own musical truth. Now, that quest brings him to the now fully invested-in five piece SPOOK THE BEAST, alongside Mrudul Kamble (guitar), NJ Borreta (vocals), Brian Scheid (bass) and Greg Carvalho (drums).
For their aural introduction to the world at large, the Canadian SPOOK THE BEAST seem to feel that less is more. In November, the band issued their 2-song debut, the "Where All Things Die" EP. If you are skeptical of just two songs selling you on a release, or a band even, it is evident you have not heard this release, or this band. Well, all of that is about to change, friend... and this alteration will make you a believer!
Served up first is the dark, Neurosis-y post-hardcore yell fest "Echoes Of Silence" its' start a sedated take on hypnotic post-rock. Rhythmic cadences fall into place as the song breaks faithfully away, all the while the angst laden vocals of Borreta begin their battering. Relentlessly he belts them out and they are soon nailed into place with the song's sonic barrage, powered by kit-man Carvalho.
For the unfurling of follow up song "Shapeshifter", buzzing guitars bring us up to speed. Once each instrument joins in, a tightly knit gallop begins to gain ground and we are underway. Like the growth of a repetitive threat, abrasive vocals are soon riding high and tight on the careening post-metal provided by Araya, Kamble, Carvalho and Scheid. Bassist Brian Scheid gets some spotlight time when he provides Richter Scale-worthy isolated bass lines in this accelerating melter of faces.
The "Where All Things Die" EP from Ontario's SPOOK THE BEAST is a harrowing heavyweight and available only in digital format. Its' two songs are explosive and more than adequate to break the ice for our little "get to know ya" throwdown. Their driving momentum and powerful intensity only hint at what might be possible for this outfit and I for one am eager to hear what may lie ahead for SPOOK THE BEAST.
-Pat "Riot" Whitaker
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