Phinehas‘ latest EP The Bridge Between features an interesting mix of rearranged works from their previous albums and a couple new tracks. Some of these are pretty great, like the heavily thrashed out “Panhammer” (originally from 2009’s The Phinehas EP) while others are somewhat puzzling, such as the acoustic version of “A Pattern in Pain” (which debuted on 2011’s Thegodmachine album) or just plain bad *cough* “Enkindler” *cough*
These guys are billed as a Christian Technical Metal band, and the lead singer Sean McCulloch does an admirable job of navigating through the material, displaying a nice range from screamo thrash to acoustic power vocals.
Panhammer – one of my favorites – a highly political track which originally appeared on their 2009 album The Phinehas and will still rock your face off. It reminds me a lot of early 90’s Pantera (ala Vulgar Display of Power.) Honestly, the new version is even better than the original.
Well If the Earths Are Stopped, Then the Fox Faces the Hounds – This one has a very 80s metal feel to it. That’s not a bad thing – decent track, heavy chorus. The original 2009 version was ok, but forgettable. This arrangement is a marked improvement.
David and the Gate – Here we have an original song. Crank it up. Melt your face off. It rocks! McCulloch’s voice rises above and beyond on this one. I love everything about this track.
A Pattern in Pain (Acoustic) – This one isn’t bad – acoustic, but with a vocal edge. It features some nice technical guitar work. I really preferred the original heavier version, but this one will grow on you if you give it a chance.
Enkindler (Acoustic) – This is a new song, featuring a mix of acoustic and some atmospheric electric guitar. Musically speaking, it’s not a bad effect, but it’s just a dreadful song overall. It has possibly some of the worst lyrics ever. Listen to it once since you won’t believe me, but then skip this one forevermore.
Crowns (Acoustic) – This is another formerly heavy song, now acoustic. The original is badass, the new version is pretty. I hope that’s what they were going for, because if they were, they nailed it. Nice guitar work on this one. Catchy.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GCrViXx4lus&feature=player_embedded]
The Wishing Well (Acoustic) – The piano in this one is pretty nice, though a bit overshadowed in places by the sustained guitars. It’s a huge improvement from the original, found on thegodmachine.
If you really want to get a feel for these guys, check out the rest of their catalog and check out the video for “My Horses Are Many.”
[youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SN4z_-R7poE]
This is the kind of personality that I wish showed through on this album. They’re a bunch of fun, goofy guys and McCulloch is a nut. He mugs for the camera, all ominous with his guttural singing, and then cracks this shit eating grin at the end of it, like he knows how absurd it is.
Fun Fact: For those of you that like to poke fun at Christian Metal bands, this album is 66.6% acoustic. Make of that what you will.
All in all, this is a solid effort from Phinehas. Even the recycled material is sufficiently re-arranged that it’s all sort of new, and it mostly works…except for “Enkindler,” seriously.
This one gets 3 out of 5 skulls from me. Rock on!
Check The Bridge Between on the links below!
iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/album/the-bridge-between/id592514079?v0=9988&ign-mpt=uo%3D1
Amazon mp3: http://www.amazon.com/The-Bridge-Between-EP/dp/B00B0NC8JC
Red Cord Records: http://redcordrecords.bigcartel.com/artist/phinehas
