Pelata Brazilian band Dynahead deliver some strong, tight Heavy Metal with their debut CD Antigen. After several spins of this album now, I’d have to ultimately place it in the Progressive Metal category. But, don’t get visions of some Dream Theater or Threshold clone in your noggin. The Metal on Antigen is much more aggressive and not quite as long-winded (no 25-minute long songs here). But what you will find is a good dose of well-placed technical chops drizzled amongst some abrasive, staccato riffing and head-slamming double kick patterns.

“Do You Feel Cleansed?” is an example of all 3 of these influences coming together in a flurry of speedy riffs, guitar-scale tornados and clean/shout/growl vocal hysteria. “Layers Of Days” kicks off with a Nevermore-ish, down-tuned headbanging riff before diving headlong into another 4+ minutes of hairpin turns, groove-to-speed transitions and impressive vocals. Nevermore, in some of the tones and riffs, is a good reference for this album…as is Pain Of Salvation (technical virtuosity) and even some of Sevendust‘s heavier moments (the grooves). “Virtual Twin” kicks off with a very agressive riff before falling into a quick, subdued verse. The lead break here is super-tasty.

The one criticism I could bring would be that a lot of the songs kind of have the same vibe. While showcasing the bands ability to stop on a dime and their masterful knowledge of their instruments, they could stand to shake it up a bit on future albums. But, aside from that, Antigen is a fine debut. Those into any of the bands I mentioned should definitely check it out.

Windhawk Impressive debut album by this Brazilian act. At least if adventurous and inventive progressive metal of the dark and at times brutal variety suits your tastes.

Chugging, grinding, hammering, swirling and circulating riff patterns can all be found aplenty on this disc, be it more or less subtly dissonant in character or intense and aggressive with hardcore inspired passion similar to vintage bands like Nuclear Assault. But amidst the riff cascades and frenzied thrash-inspired landscapes you'll also encounter gentle passages featuring clean wandering guitars, melodic jazz-inspired motifs and even a few nods in the direction of prog metal masters Dream Theater. And soaring above it all is the lead vocals of Caio Duarte, providing gentle melodic delivery with the same ease as intense aggressive growling.

It's an album filled with contrasts, with technically and compositionally challenging material and stylistic blends not that often encountered. Very well made and performed, but perhaps just a tad too complex and challenging for your average metal fan. Fans of bands like Celtic Frost and Cynic would probably top my list of potential followers of this act, and personally I really like what these guys are doing.