Pariah

Very rarely do we come across a piece of music that does not include breakdowns, techno beats, and horrible screams. Fortuantely I have found an EP that will bring many metal heads back to the thrash days with a hint of Children of Bodom and At the Gates. Well, ladies and gentlemen; I present to you, Pariah.

Originally hailing from Kodiak, Alaska; the boys in Pariah have found themselves on the east coast due to military living. Right around the corner from Sacred Serenity, Pariah have kept up with a modern style of death metal while staying within the roots of thrash bands such as Metallica and testament. Although I can’t stop there and say they sound exactly like the early thrash bands that helped create a new genre of music.

Their self titled, eight song EP which is currently under review by Earache Records, gives a unique take on what you’ll find in mist heavy underground scenes. For many young listeners metal is little more than breakdowns and pig squeals. Pariah’s EP will introduce the younger fans of extreme music to Children of Bodom style speed mixed with power/thrash metal vocals.

Their self titled EP shows that the band can shred and they shred quickly. Take for example “When Worlds Collide,” staying at a steady speed comparable to testament (which is by no means easy) Pariah drill a melodic trem pick riff backed by lighting quick double bass and some fancy cymbal work to make listeners get up and mosh with their dog (Side: Into the Pit Reviews does not endorse moshing with household pets…Try moshing with a bear than get back to me).

Although a great album it may be hard for some to get into just because of it’s old school metal feel. There are no sweeps that I could hear, hardly anyone does semi- power metal vocals and there are no blast beats and/or breakdowns. It is something that has to be listened to a couple of times before it is truly appreciated for the semi-masterpiece that it is.

You can hear more of Pariah at their myspace, www.myspace.com/pariahmetalband

Track Listing
1)Taking over the Land
2)Hero’s Live to Die
3)Struggle for Redemption
4)The Fire Wave
5)When Worlds Collide
6)Forever to Reign
7)Ghost of the Militia
8)Victory Remains