AGE OF DISTRUST – Whispers of War (EP)

Here is a 6 song EP from the heavy power thrash act Age Of Distrust who hail from central Ohio. There are elements of death metal in the occasional harsh vocals or faster rhythms, but for the most part I would say the quartet’s influences come from the Megadeth, Falconer, and Iron Maiden mold. Bassist Matt Harper handles the lead vocals with kind of a James Hetfield-like snarl, and some of the lead work has that natural harmonic ascension a la an Adrian Smith or a Kirk Hammett- most evident on “Chains Of Oppression”. Rhythm guitarist Jacob Davis and lead guitarist Ryan Carroll are the musical strength for Age Of Distrust- they understand the right balance of force and melody as they switch up from a more aggressive track like “Age Of Distrust” versus a mid-tempo, highly harmonized cut such as “Retribution”.

The production is adequate but not earth shattering, and the performances have a lot going for them- but I feel the band would be well advised to get another lead singer or seriously give Matt some singing lessons. He really struggles trying to stay in key when required to come from a melodic, traditional delivery- the thrash and death voices work much better for the foursome.

I’m on the fence with a full on recommendation- maybe more seasoning and songwriting will smooth out the bumps in the vocal road and make Age Of Distrust a contender to go up the ranks of the independent metal scene.

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