Review Summary: Someone watch over me.
In the early ‘80s, the British Steel diffused into the US ‘70s hard rock scene and metalized a part of it (that debut Cirith Ungol album is one proof of many). Soon enough, a well intended “rivalry” between East and West Coast metal outfits came to being, with fewer (in absolute numbers only) bands stemming from the heartland states (Oliver Magnum, Forté, Jag Panzer and Lethal come to mind). Due to all too known reasons, most of them outfits disbanded in years to come, some endured, while new ensembles struggled in the underground, especially in the ‘90s.
Nowadays, however, where retro festivities (especially in Europe) can singlehandedly bring genres and bands back to life even for just some annual live concerts, old and new US heavy metal outfits are gradually gaining the appreciation they deserve, to the benefit of all affiliated fans. Speaking of newly emerging outfits, Philadelphia PA Sumerlands are already considered a significant entry to the fold, in view of the
very promising material included in their first, three-track
Guardian demo.
First of all,
The Guardian sets itself apart with its truly distinct instrumental sound, courtesy of the band’s guitarist Arthur Rizk. The excellent lead and rhythm guitars are loud and fuzzed-out-heavy with a 100% analog feel, whereas the elaborate, but not excessively “technical” rhythm section sounds “deep” and 100% audible. Nominally, the demo descents from NWOBHM and certain US metal pioneers -Judas Priest, Iron Maiden, Cirith Ungol- however the hard rock side of the mentioned outfits (plus… Scorpions and their “Coast To Coast” track which “haunts” the demo) is yet another bond that holds
The Guardian in one piece.
On another note, Sumerlands have infused a strong sense of agony and melancholy to their heavy/power metal, affixed in both lyrics and arrangements. The former, which have been breathed to life by the stentorian voice of Phillip Swanson, revolve around the perpetual evocation of a higher protector (“Someone Watch Over Me/Someone, Maybe You”), while casting doubts on some religious habits (“How Many Prayers Can I Pray, When There’s Nothing Left To Say?”). Arrangements-wise, the tempo goes from doom-to-mid (“Guardian”, “Haunted Forever”) to galloping (“Blind”). The gloom is further enhanced by the sparse guitar leads, which however, are terribly effective and augment the replay value of the songs they’re incorporated in.
When all is said and done; out of all the old school heavy metal bands residing in “demo” status around the world, Sumerlands stand as a top priority for the making of a full-length album. Let’s hope that it won’t take too long for the Philadelphians to get there.
