Young band from the second city catch Damian’s attention
Aramantus are a Progressive Groove Metal quintet from Birmingham comprising Nyah Ifill (Lead Vocals), Jake Elwell (Rhythm/ Lead Guitar), Elijah Storer (Rhythm/Lead Guitar), Cici Powell (Bass Guitar) and Alice Bates (Drums).
The opening track “Enamira” is a real cracker, initially a hint of Maiden then a more progressive rock feel with Nyah`s vocals layered on top. This lady can really reach the high notes but not painfully like some others I could mention. This was a wonderful blend of classic rock and a superb guitar refrain about three parts of the way through topped it off for me.
“Actor V11” opens with a sleazy grinding bass followed by some thumping drums and then an edgy guitar riff with a beat reminiscent of the great Thin Lizzy before Nyah`s intricate almost haunting vocals sail alongside and over the top driving this track along. This band can certainly bash out a tune, I was really taken aback when I looked at how young they were but, my god, age don’t come into it when you can make music that is almost beyond your years.
The next tune “Funked Up” is really what it says on the tin a funkier offering with vocals that are as near to being rapped as damn it and the last quarter of the track detours with a real funk/soul groove, highlighting the fabulous musicianship of this band.
“Broken Trust” closes out this EP and it’s a stonker of a track to end on. We get driving hard rock with a real progressive rock feel as well and lyrics regarding the mistrust in a relationship.
Well what can I say? I was really blown away by Aramantus and if they were on my list to see, they have certainly moved up to the top now after listening to this EP.
This band have many influences, but saying that theirs is certainly a unique sound with a maturity beyond their years.
Birmingham has always been the Mecca of Metal and we now have a superb young band from that great city to carry the torch of our forefathers forward.
Rating 9/10
