Runescarred
We Are
Independent/Self-Released
3.5/5
Out of the unexpected ashes of one of my favorite acts, Dead Earth Politics (a band that I’ve actually enjoyed live and interviewed in person) we now have the Texas power/prog troupe, Runescarred. The band considers this new style a sort of necessary evolution and I’d still consider the Iced Earth, Tad Morose and Testament influences here, though this debut offering just doesn’t appeal to me as much as Dead Earth Politics did. I’ve listened to this short EP three times already and I just can’t gleam anything from it. I almost feel like I need to listen to it ten more times, so that it somehow soaks in my brain and I can psychologically force myself into enjoying it. That isn’t to say that it is a bad disc though, as we definitely have a great deal of thrash and technicality, along with some strong solo efforts and as massive a vocal performance as I’d expect for any Dead Earth Politics album, but I just feel that what is here doesn’t catch me as much as I’d like it to. That could even be the whole “Yanny” and “Laurel” thing, where I heard “Laurel” and couldn’t discern even the slightest bit of “Yanny” no matter how much the sample was changed (a result of hearing damage, probably) so there are probably some “Yanny” listeners that might be able to grasp a few things that I didn’t. Listening to the album aside from the heavily raised vocals (I’m taking them out of my mind for a second) I can discern that a great deal of technical thrash was infused here, albeit with strong power metal leads specifically during the choruses.
I’m reminded a little of Charred Walls Of The Damned in that sense, particularly their sophomore album Cold Winds On Timeless Days, albeit with a much different vocal backing. Ven Scott has a slight drawl, which makes me think a little bit of Matt Barlow in that instance. Tim Driscoll still does what he does best however and it sounds like his playing chops are even better on this album, which makes me wonder why I’ve given it the equivalent of a seven. There’s just something that doesn’t sit right with me here, but again; that isn’t to say that you shouldn’t give it a listen as you may wind up enjoying it a great deal and as a reviewer, it is never my job to deprive you of that opportunity. Don’t let journalists make up your mind regarding album enjoyment, because my opinion here is only made up of personal observation. If you jam this disc and love it, then I couldn’t be happier as a music writer. I just didn’t get it this time around and can’t really pinpoint a reason for that, Some albums just stick with you, while others don’t. I’m glad to see the guys still active in any case. They’re great musicians and need recognition.