Return to Earth - Automata

A metal-edged trio that spans a few different genres.Three piece bands always amaze me on how full they can sound.  If you think about it, it isn't much different than a 4 piece, in which the singer doesn't play an instrument, but for some reason it still boggles the mind a little.  That being said, I still think it is cool when a 3 piece can pull it together and put out a massive sound; now to me that's sayin something.  The latest 3 piece that I've discovered that sounds bigger than they are, is newcomers Return to Earth.  RTE is a new band, but there is one veteran in the band.  Drummer Chris Pennie has been pounding the skins for the likes of Dillinger Escape Plan and most recently Coheed and Cambria, so he is no stranger to the scene.

RTE is a mixed bag, because they have various styles inner twined within their unique sound.  You will hear elements of industrial, EMO, Hard Rock and death metal all in one.  If I had to loosely compare them to a band, I would say they sounded like Strapping Young Lad, but not as pissed off.  Vocalist Ron Scalzo sounds a bit like Devin Townsend, especially on the track Exit Wound.  The songs are well written and will keep you on the edge of your seat, from track to track.  The band had incorporated some cool synthy type instrumentals, between tracks to create a nice ambience.  I really dug this CD and was surprised by what these guys had to offer.

Bottom Line: A mixed bag of tunes, that will appeal to many genres of metal.  The songs for the most part, are melodic, but do have a nice heavy edge to them.  If you're looking for some variety in your metal, then you got it with these guys.

Standout Tracks: Exit Wounds, You Will be Replaced, Back of My Hand and Snakeface.

-Ragman is feeling festive.