Asylum City Zoo – Asylum City Zoo

29th November 2013 0 By Suzie Rottencrotch

Asylum City Zoo are an unsigned band from Manchester – a four piece with a taste leaning towards the harder edge of metal, defined by heady guitars, beating rythym and melodies in the vein of Alice In Chains. The EP is an offering of 6 songs and starts with opener “Circus Of Souls”. I’m immediately drawn to a comparison of Pantera and that’s a good thing, with switching punching vocals and driven guitars it’s a solid start.

“Crawl” is up next and although it starts heavy, the melody turns more to my “Alice In Chains” comparison with staggered guitars and leading vocals. Mark the vocalist indeed states “Alice” as an influence and it’s clear in his delivery of powerful gruff driven grunge kissed vocals where his style lies.

From other bands demo’s I’ve heard I have to say these guys sound professional and bring much more meat to the proverbial table than your average unsigned band. “Favourite Drug” displays drifting styles with dark undertones, with tight melody shifts it’s an impressive feat.

“Pushed” closes the EP after a further two songs and it’s clear these guys are taking steps to be different than the norm of every other unsigned band trying to emulate, although there are comparisons /influences it’s clear there is more to Asylum City Zoo than meets the eye…. One to watch out for definitely.

Score: 8 out of 10