Pop Metal is a term that recently got a lot of buzz in the Metal community. By Pop Metal, people actually refer to the Popier style of Melodic Metalcore. Generalised as Nu Metalcore, the bands which fall under this category usually integrate popier aspects of music ranging from clean singing to use of electronica. The softer style is termed as Alternative Metal. To be honest, I support this stylistic approach and I am a huge fan of Electronicore/Trancecore. My search for Nu Metalcore landed me to COLD BLACK. These Denmark based Metallers geared up to release their debut album entitled "Circles" through Artery Records. The boys were lucky enough to get a record deal before releasing their debut album. It's about time to get to know why these guys are so special that they get a massive record deal.

"Circles" is COLD BLACK's debut album, depicting eight euphonic tracks mainly consolidated on electronica and catchy choruses. The first track off this album is the title track "Circles." The song has beautiful electronica in the background which is integrated with generic Metal guitar riffs and Rock based drumming. The vocal style might not appeal an average Metal monitor but for me it was not that bad since I'm a bit more open-minded when it comes to music. As the album progresses I get to enjoy more electronica; the overpowered electronic sound adds more melody instead of giving us a heavy tone. I don't judge songs by the heaviness or brutality instead judging it based upon the credibility and complexity. It is safer to claim that these dudes do make music that is complex enough for my likeness as the added synth notes trace the Instrumentation tone in the background which consequently compliments the Pop vocals sung by the vocalist. One of the brighter aspects about vocals is obviously the catchy choruses, as mentioned before. The songs "The Rain" and "Miles & Miles" reflect this. This album reminds me of yet another Alt Metal/Pop Metal band PLUGS OF APOCALYPSE, who released one among my favourite albums this year.

"Dead End Eyes" is straight up Symphonic Rock song with a catchy synth notes getting the center stage while the guitars having lesser work to do. The only part that makes this album heavy is the drumming. One might not get Extreme Metal drumming with swiftly paced double bass kick pedals and blast beats instead a single bass kick pedals perfectly mutated along with some basic rudiments to keep the rest of the Instrumentation in check. The rest of the songs are catchy enough to make this album memorable and the perfectly formulated song structure adds an extra point to the songwriting skills as well. "Circles" is a great album considering the fact that this their debut album, but lacks in utilizing the resources that they are exposed with. If they keep the same sound instead adding more guitar riffs and basslines, I'm sure that their sophomore effort might make a huge impact in Metalcore or Metal in general. I see a huge potential in these Danish Rockers and I'm very much excited for their future projects.