EP (2009)
(Reviewer: James Ashbey)
Seemingly out of nowhere comes this storming 3-track demo from Londoners Muted; a band who have been banging heads since 2005 but haven’t yet managed to spread their name beyond the local pub circuit. With any luck though this release will be a turning point, as it offers three utterly convincing slabs of chugging metal, firmly rooted in the legacy of the ‘80s and early ‘90s and yet very much its own brand. The demo is characterised by anthemic vocal harmonies and hook-heavy riffs reminiscent of ‘Youthanasia’ era Megadeth, with everything executed in a very polished manner (in a good way). While a thrash vibe is vaguely present in the palm-muting and general speed of the songs, the band’s mixed metal tastes also shine through, making for a refreshing traditional metal blend. Closing track ‘Poison in the Womb’ perhaps lacks some of this addictive formula, but the standard remains high throughout, and is topped off by a great production job. Muted have recently announced some major line-up upheavals, but let’s hope this recording isn’t their parting blow, as it could be the beginning of great things.
