Maelstrom is one of many bands from the late 80’s who have
risen from the dead to give us music once again. Unlike many of their
counterparts, however, Maelstrom never actually released a full-length back in
the 80’s. In keeping with tradition, the band has given us an EP of three songs
that were written in 1988, but not recorded until 20 years later.
“It Was Predestined” is a strange release. On the one hand,
there is some exceptionally competent, straightforward death/thrash, not unlike that
later played by Gammacide and Demolition Hammer, among others. On the other,
the band (more like multi-instrumentalist Joe Lodespoto) unleashes into some
insane guitar work. He isn’t just playing great guitar solos; he’s throwing in
some harmonized sweep picking and plenty of other fun tricks as well. At times, the
music definitely reveals a lot of classical influence. This is most obvious in
the solo break in the opener, “Arise”, as well as towards the beginning of “A
Futile Crusade”. The vocals are somewhat of a different take on thrash. While
they definitely have harsh undertones, it is almost as if Gary Vosganian
manages to make his speaking voice as brutal sounding as possible, without
actually singing. It is quite honestly the first time I’ve heard a vocalist
sound like this, and is well worth hearing. In addition to this
speaking-screaming style, he also employs the brutal rasp found in most
death/thrash.
In a matter of 20 minutes, Maelstrom managed to put a
variety of influences and sounds into an EP that sounds extremely unique, even
for 2008. The riffing and the rhythm work get so intense that you’ll definitely
get a case of whiplash from headbanging to this album. And yet, at times, this
is unbelievably progressive. Fans of Coroner, Voivod, and Toxik will definitely
notice some similarities between the bands. I’m a bit baffled that the band has
only released an EP in the last four years. This is seriously some of the most
unique music I’ve ever heard, and I can’t believe they haven’t benefitted from
the thrash resurgence like others have. My advice: track this one down now!
Be sure to check out and like Maelstrom on Facebook!
Highlights
"Arise"
"A Futile Crusade"
"Predestined"
Final Rating
4.5/5 or 90%.
Written by Scott