I jumped onto this promo cd as soon as I received it, there were a couple of reasons behind this, 1) It’s a hugely anticipated release by Ireland’s most hardworking unsigned band, which will be unveiled at Harcourt street Dublin on July 13th and we at Metalindia are obliged rarely by a promo a month in advance its release.2) It’s an Irish band, and frankly I haven’t any bands from that country apart from hugely successful ‘Abaddon Incarnate’.

My balloon of expectations is pricked once I am done with track 1.Because cover art was suggesting some brutality inside. Title track ‘The pain remits’ that kicks off things, showcases a mid-nineties hardcore approach (which was way off my agenda), riffs are solid, but stringently drift towards Machine Head playing manner and tone. What separates, ‘slave zero’ from MH is mark of twin vocals, i.e. infringing screechy screams over stretching hardcore chords. Track 3 ‘Soul of ruin’ sounds loose as far as riff onslaught is concerned, nevertheless there’s a minuscule tightness prevalent, if you dare not compare them to masters of mosh ‘Hatebreed’).Moreover, pleasant guitar harmonization and some coarse leads stand out especially on this one. At the same time agonizingly, a chaotic progression and croaky pinch harmonics limits my appreciation only for sections not the complete song. Things remain same on track 4 ‘Reflief’that hardly provides any relief, rather than hitting a mixed up flow, all ‘Slave zero’ should have attempted is linearity. I think they are certainly a better band on stage than studio, as I can sense their energy and strength to uplift dampened spirits, amidst their ordinary riffs. It’s almost certain that ‘slave zero’ help you ease out you inner poison, provided you sing along their lyrics that are punk and edgy. Last track ‘faceless’ a six and half minute song has a gentle plucking intro, which liberates taking shape of somewhat’ The burning red’ (MH) inspired song. Drums on this are exceptionally smacking, full and reach out.But, honestly I would have loved them even more, had they been a little louder, crisp and binding in overall mix.

My biggest complaint from this 5-song EP is its awkward pace, it sounds a little sloppy due to a below average SPEED, when weighed against bands of this genre. Perhaps, you can blame band’s inability to correctly fuse right elements in right slots. ‘Slave zero’ my only advice is-Do not overexerts, making things too hard to comprehend, for listeners-Innovative, lacks character!