Sil Veth- The Elemental

Artist: Sil Veth
Album: The Elemental
Label: 8th Sphere Records

"The Elemental" is the debut EP from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania's blackened/death metal horde Sil Veth. Recorded in vocalist/guitarist Alex Merek's home studio, "The Elemental" is fairly impressive. Merek's vocals are good, and typical of the style of metal presented here. Merek and Pat Shea team up for a blistering twin guitar attack that only slows down when they grab for their acoustics. With so many bands relying way too much on keyboards to provide ambience, I'm glad they relied on the acoustic guitar instead whenever some atmosphere is warranted. While the bass was mainly in the background, Ruston Grosse's drums were really noticeable. While at times his playing almost sounded a bit too chaotic and it took some getting used to at first, that seems to be the style he plays and he actually makes it mesh really well. I think if they were mixed a little lower so that they didn't drown the guitar and some of the vocals out at times, it might sound a little better. Other than that one thing though, "The Elemental" is really good and I don't think these guys could have hoped for a better debut album. With some better production on the next album, I think these guys will really take off.