Reviewed by James Stafford

I really wanted to like this. It has a lot going for it, and I think it will be appreciated by quite a few, but there are some “but”s. Variously described as power metal or groove core, this IS heavy metal, but both the vocals and the guitar tones and licks are a mixture of up-to-date, ‘90s and ‘80s metal styles, giving an overall dated and sometimes pretentious feel. For instance, most of "Fly Away" could be a mid ‘90s Deliverance song. Also, their website says, "We sacrificed some of the precision touches commonly used in recording to allow for a grinding pulse that often shifts time signatures as well as tempos." This is a mistake in my opinion. This end of heavy music is defined and pioneered by tightness and strict tempos. Krush wants to be known for its great heaviness and this will only be widely appreciated by tightness and precision. Give them a big budget for production and a producer who will challenge any dated ideas to keep them fresh. They can do it all - the ideas and talent are there, but they need some 2003AD direction. Musically, they need to be breaking more new ground. Here’s hoping.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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