Music reviews. CD reviews. Critically hip!

It is always interesting to hear a band in their sapling state, when their musical efforts are as fresh to them, as they are to the listener. There are no expectations or preconceptions about the album before you hear it, only initial reactions and possible potential. This is the case with Sil Veth’s debut five track EP, The Elemental. The album shows a talented group of musicians, with vast potential. The Elemental delivers what any fan of Death/Black Metal wants in a band, tight fast musicianship, and a snarling vocalist. Sil Veth is able to show off their musical diversity through melodic interludes, which give the listener a break from the viscous guitar work that makes up the majority of the EP.

Recorded at frontman/guitarist Alex Merek’s home studio, The Elemental provides a raw introduction to Philadelphia-based Sil Veth. The low production value will not be terribly noticed to the average Black Metal fan, as many bands in this genre keep costs low. The album could do with some re-mastering, as at times, the bass drum overpowers the rest of the instruments, and the backing vocals are barely audible.

Musically The Elemental is quite impressive. The guitar riffs are well constructed, and well played by Merek and partner guitar player Pat Shea. To be perfectly blunt, these guys can shred. Ruston Grosse’s drum work is solid throughout the album, providing a strong backbone as Merek and Shea weave through blistering guitar riffs, and melodic interludes. If anything, Grosse holds back on the blast beats a bit too much for my liking.

Lyrically Merek sings of personal struggle, depression, and battling personal demons through the guise of medieval times. Personally, I am not huge on medieval times-based lyrics. There is some decent imagery in the lyrics, but overall, Merek seems to be trying too hard to be poetic. Also, while Merek’s voice works well over the heavier parts to the songs, it proves to be a bit much during the melodic interludes, as illustrated during the opening track, Stone Gazer. Perhaps for this reason, I feel The Elemental’s closing, instrumental track, Upon the Sand, to be the album’s strongest.

Overall The Elemental is a very impressive first effort for Sil Veth. No band gets it perfect on the first try, and they show nothing but potential for future efforts. I look forward to a follow-up, to see how they mature as a band.