Our first review is for Allentown PA based band, Jetsam. Three friends that put their own spin on instrumental post-metal. Their self-titled EP is available on bandcamp for free (or name your own price if you so choose).
The album starts out with Survivor's Guilt and right off the bat, the first thing you'll notice is the production on this recording is excellent for being a demo. I've heard demos that literally sounded like they were recorded through a grapefruit. This is not the case here, presumably because this album was recorded by Jon Savard, the guitarist. One can assume that when recording your own band, you'd want it to sound the best it can and it shows on this self-titled work. Survivor's Guilt kicks off with a single semi-clean guitar riff before rhythm section, Frank and Rich playing drums and bass, respectively join in to bring this post-metal three piece package together. Once the beat kicks in, so do the riffs and you can tell that not only do these guys love what they do, but they're damn good at it as well.
Next up, we get the track Sage. At a sprawling 8:17, this track without a doubt showcases the talent present in this band. Shifting back and forth between lush soundscapes and metal chug riffs, the first half of this musical journey leads into a climax that starts around the halfway point and builds until the very end. This has got to be my favorite track on the album.
The third track on this demo, Amity mostly serves as a reverb drenched interlude bridging the gap between Sage and album closer, Mariner. This last track is a ripper! At times sounding like a black metal headbanger, this track also dabbles in riffs that sound like they would be right at home on a Russian Circles LP.... and then it's over.
With only 4 tracks clocking in at just under 20 minutes, this album does exactly what it means to do: Hits you hard and quick and leaves you wanting more. It's so obvious that these guys are doing it for the love of playing music together and nothing more, and that's why I'm stoked to see what comes next for them.
-Rybo
