Go with the No!

Definitely different is a statement which sums up this record completely. Mahavatar are original in a manner of ways, from the gothic sounding choruses of “Cult” to the deep voices portrayed by Lizza Hayson on the verses of that same track, there are an excess of different vibes going on here that are undeniably metal. Of what type is a matter to be left to question.

“By The Numbers” alternates between low rapping and Middle Eastern sounding choruses, capitalizing on a shrewd arrangement in order to breathe a new life into heavy music that is not only original, but memorable as well.

“Raw” attacks with a pseudo growl that hits hard along with the headbanging riffing of guitarist Karla Williams, when the track inexplicably leaps into a dreamy acoustic break that takes a cue from Heart before returning to the heavy refrain. Next, the song goes in yet another direction altogether, featuring bizarre squeals and noises, then each of the song parts are re-visited. This is perhaps one of the most unique arrangements in recent memory, but somehow the ladies of Mahavatar pull it all together and make it work quite well. A classic sounding metal riff ushers in “Psychos”, a track that is yet another example of the astute combination of many different emotions and influences.

A clean guitar run opens ‘Deep Cobble’ as Hayson reveals yet another wicked sounding voice, this time a dark purr filled with vibrato that evolves into savage screams. Not that you would have any idea what a “Deep Cobble” is, but boy, does it sound really neat.

Each of these eight songs is equally diverse in texture and show a lot of thought behind their creation. If you’re longing for some heavy music that is truly different, give Mahavatar a try for they are both talented and as unique as one could imagine.