First of the Stygian - I.O.U (2 track demo)

First of the Styigan at Myspace

As a way of getting your music out there as a new band handing out your demo to random passers-by at a metal festival is certainly a novel approach, but it’s the one that Wales First of the Stygian took and I guess since it got them this review it’s worked to some extent. First of the Stygian describe their music as “Progressive power thrash” and at least two thirds of that is true. Their straight up heavy metal approach is too straight forward to be progressive, but for what it is, it’s very promising. Taking influence from Judas Priest, Overkill, King Diamond, Helloween and Metal Church, these boys have a style that is both rooted firmly in the 80’s but is original enough to with enough songs of this calibre evolve into their own distinct sound.

Of particular interest are vocalist Tyrone Leigh Williams who seems to be able to perfectly mimic both King Diamonds hissing voice and James Hetfield circa Ride the Lightning along with coming up with a death metal growl, and bassist James Macdonald who can play one mean bass solo if he needs to. It’s not quite the finished product yet, but it’s certainly very good for a new band.