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Tainted: The Awakening

Christchurch’s Tainted have quickly progressed from their first demo recorded mid 2005, to the release of this debut album in April. Produced by Sam Sheppard (8 Foot Sativa/Sinate), this album is another example of the strength of NZ metal. Reminiscent of European acts (Haunted?) they manage to retain a degree of individuality in a genre often plagued by copycats. Not the easiest of styles to capture, there are some points that need work - maybe more related to equipment limitations rather than band ability or production techniques. In an effort to make it ‘heavy’, the bottom end seems a little loose, the bass unfocused, kicks punchy though lacking depth. It probably sounds monstrous with subs and could be the result of overly tight/loud monitoring. I’m not a fan of blast beats, speed doesn’t equal power, and it’s the power of the slower tracks that impresses me - the grooves are strong and the riffs tight. A couple more sonic issues - one guitar often relies on some phase-based effect. While it differentiates between the guitar sounds it gets a little annoying - as does the constant china cymbal abuse - a large thin cymbal with more of a low growl ala Meshuggah perhaps? A great effort from the band and good on Mr Sheppard - a fine debut.

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