Dred
A Path To Exctinction
8.5
A Path to Extinction is the apparently self financed debut EP from Sydney Australia’s Dred. The EP consists of four songs of tight, technical, well composed, well recorded death-thrash.
It is apparent from the outset that Dred have their act together in the instrumental department. Opening track “Absent form Eternity” features finger cramping riffs delivered with enough speed and precision to rival countrymen Psycroptic. Dred, however, present their technical mastery in a more old school context that brings to mind technical thrashers like Coroner and the more precise sounds of later Kreator and Sodom. Whilesinger Evgeny Linnik is definitely a death metal vocalist with a very deep, guttural growl reminiscent of Demigod/Adramelech vocalist Ali Leinio, the rest of the band definitely leans more toward the thrash side of death-thrash. Tremolo picking and blast beats are not to be found here. A few quick strums on the old six string reveal the band is only tuned down one half step a-la Slayer which contributes to a much less murky sound than many of their death metal peers. The heaviness in their sound instead comes from the precision of their delivery. Despite some very adventurous riffs, the performance is always as tight as a nun’s private parts.
Dred’s disciplined approach to performance spills over into the band's songwriting, they never get so caught up in their instrumental talent that they descend into pointless wanking. Dred’s songs are constructed in such a focused and logical manner, that they almost sound familiar, even when hearing them for the first time. Song lengths are reasonable, the tempos are varied and while there are a lot of riffs, the band is not afraid to repeat some of the real good ones.
A special mention must be made of the guitar solos on this recording. I don’t normally get that excited about lead work, but there is some truly excellent playing on A Path to Extinction. Every solo is a mini epic, a song within a song, precise and technically dazzling as well as melodic and musical. We’re talking Marty Friedman caliber here.
The recording itself does not seem to have suffered from the lack of support from a record label. Each instrument is clear and the mix is well balanced. The guitars could have a bit more bite to these ears, but that’s just quibbling. This is a perfectly professional sounding disc that does the performance justice.
Dred is a very talented and accomplished sounding band. I think their principal appeal would be to thrash fans, but almost any metal fan could find at least something to enjoy on A Path to Extinction. The good news for you is that you do not have to take my word for it; the entire EP is available for download on the band's website. Go get it.
