ANIME FIRE ā€“ Where The Wolves Fear To Tread (Skull And Bones)
Original release date: September 25th, 2007
Perth-based four-piece Anime Fireā€™s debut EP is six tracks of darkly oppressive metalcore, embellished with touches of electronica. Guitarist Shaun Ngere and bassist Marty Sims lock together tightly to produce corrosive riffs like that which propels A Dangerous State Of Mind, while guttural singer Maty Rowe growls dyspeptic lyrics throughout the recording with little subtlety in his delivery, a fact which is highlighted on final track Altered Beast when his voice is counterpointed by velvety female guest vocals.
But Roweā€™s programming additions, unlike his voice, do add a more delicate atmosphere, particularly on Remedy, a track which also highlights drummer BJ McNallyā€™s rhythms ā€“ although it does feel more like an interlude than a proper song for much of its length. Machine Of War (which deploys samples of George W Bush to good effect), on the other hand, is strongly punk-influenced.
The title track best represents the EPā€™s sound as a whole, as its veering from orchestral swells to blast-beats showcases the diverse extremes of the band, but spirited opener Venom might be the pick of the bunch.
Owen Heitmann
