What a difference a year makes. I checked out Dark Hound’s self-titled debut album awhile back and thought they had a bit of potential but came across a bit unrefined. Well now this Nashville band have come back with a tight five track little EP called Oceans and let me tell you there is Oceans of difference between the two releases. The songs are much better with a much tighter sound to it, the production qualities are vastly improved and the band has definitely grown quite a bit. The songs all have an infectious quality to them, whereas the debut album had a few tracks that didn’t really pop out, this EP is a lean mean headbanging machine. Combining elements of prog, classic metal, modernish stylings, even a tad of punk in there with some of the vocals, and we have a very interesting, diverse and enjoyable musical romp. My biggest disappointement on this is how quickly it ends, just as you are really getting sucked in fully it’s over. I would’ve loved to have gotten a few more tunes, but at least we know that these guys are definitely building up some momentum, keep it coming!!
Choice Tracks – Thread, To Know End, Just As Blind, Oceans
(8.5)