In a time when modern Metal styles are becoming abusively full of bands that seem a lot to each other, the need to be different is a factor to lead the courageous to survive. If your work is something only good, I'm sorry to say that it'll not be enough to save you.

And now, in the middle of a flood of Metalcore bands, comes the North American quintet, IT LIES WITHIN, with their album "Paramount".

They are really good in their musical work, but with a great difference: they use keyboards parts, some electronic effects, and some rhythmic changes that are astonishing. The vocals are guttural, but using some high pitches and normal melodic voices as well; the guitars are fine and technical, and the rhythmic kitchen is alright, giving weight using very good technique. The overall result is very good, besides they need to improve in some aspects, because the similarities with other bands still exist.

The sound quality, as the style demands, is clear and heavy, with a perfect balance in both aspects. The instrumental tunes are fine as well; all was done in a very good way, so we can understand their music with no problems.

"Ecdysis" (that is technical and has very good drumming), the melodic and introspective "Starscream" (some melodic moments are really excellent, due the wise use of clean voices), the abrasive guitar riffs on the technical and brutal "Never Surrender", the harsh and technically bitter "Light the Way" (the work from bass guitar and drums is really excellent, both on brutal moments as on the melodic ones), the excellent guitar and vocals arrangements presented on "Broken Streets", and the fast and thunderous aggressiveness heard on "Till We Meet Again".

They are really very good, but still needs to make something different from all this great number of Metalcore bands. But talent for this trial, they have a lot.<