When bands as SYSTEM OF A DAWN, SLIPKNOT, LINKIN' PARK, and some others in the same vein appeared in the first half of the past decade, the started a caustic revolution in Metal/Rock scenes, because they built a new set of musical features that became the foundations of modern Metal/Rock genres. Of course there are those that are frantic and try to expand limits, and Las Vegas home based band CODE RED RIOT is one of them, as "Mask" (their new album) states.

For all those who aren't into modern Metal genres, it's a difficult task to understand this mix between aggressive and abrasive musical tunes with groove technique (even some Funk parts can be heard in many moments), along with hooking melodies. Some will call them a "Teen Metal/Rock band", but they are very good in the way they are. And their work really is different from what we are used to hear, what can demand of the listener some improvements on his/hers own musical conceptions.

The sound quality of "Mask" was created to be like a super-production. And it really is great, with everything sounding clear, with very good instrumental tunes and everything is in the right point. Nothing was done to be nastier of tender than their songs demands. So we can say the producer got the right idea when working with them.

On the 12 songs of "Mask", you'll find many very good moments. But the best ones are the mix between charming melodies and harsh groove parts of "Panic and Pain" and of "Living Low" (bass guitar and drums are really amazing, conducting their rhythms wisely), the nasty accessibility of "Slide" (charming vocals, let's be honest), the intense and grasping aggressiveness of "Ghost", the very good slow parts "Bulletproof", and the melodic Hardcore scent of "Black Hole Hero". But be sure to hear all songs, because they are all very good.

I don't face their work as something for "younger" or "older" Metalheads. I hear "Mask" as a very good album that deserves our attention.