MARTRIDEN – Same – SIEGE OF AMIDA/CANDLELIGHT  
It could be the lowered expectations created by the band’s base in Montana or it could be the batch of awful CDs hurled my way by the Metallian himself in the last several weeks. Either way, Martriden’s debut mini-CD comes across as superior and impressive – most likely simply because the music is just that. Martriden (apparently a nightmarish wraith in Scandinavian mythology and a much better name than Pale Horse) is a band that overcomes the limitations of its base to offer an exquisitely produced debut EP whose pummelling music is matched by the audio production and mix. Oddly enough, while the Siege Of Amida owner works at Terrorizer magazine this will remain a relatively unprompted EP, which is a shame. The band’s sound is equipped with tight dynamics and rhythm without ever losing its heaviness or focus. On the song In Death We Burn the contrast between the acoustic interlude and the absolute speed is terrific and that even before the band launches into full-blown techno thrash. It is only the appearance of the keyboards all of a sudden that bring down the song and the CD. The guitars slash and the leads are remarkable, the bass rises to the occasion as needed and the drummer has the full and warm sound every metal band needs. More bands need to visit producer Dave Otero. Martriden is off to a very good start with its self-titled debut. If the band can expand upon its Behemoth-meets-Nevermore-likes-Opeth sound then the future bodes well, although fans should be on guard against the intrusion of keyboards and turning the dream into a nightmare. – Anna Tergel