Maybe some people don't understand, but Groove Metal was born inside Thrash Metal. The use of elements from Southern Rock that PANTERA, MORDRED and other bands used on the end of the 80's created many possibilities. Today, the formula is eroded due the excessive use of many bands. But there are some new talents arising from the underground, as the Scottish quintet IRON ALTAR (from Edinburg) that comes with their first full length called "Pillars of Blood". Aggressive and nasty to the very bones, we can say that they are trying to mix the elements from Groove Metal names as CROWBAR with technical nuances of names as GOJIRA and MASTODON. Be prepared, because even needing to mature a bit more, their musical work is greasy and brutal to a form that will astonish your senses. And what energy these guys have!

Besides the sound quality isn't perfect, Jamie Gilchrist did a fine work on the mixing and mastering, because you can understand what the band is playing, even with all this aggressiveness that flows from the speakers. The tunes are alright as well, and the only "but" that is needed to point to: the excessive crude approach. If they can use a cleaner sound, with better definition on the sound quality, everything will be in the right point.

Musically, just to mature a bit more on the arrangements and all will fit on what they do. And for now, "Amaranthine" with its abrasive energy (and very good work on bass guitar and drums), "Burning Fields" (this one is really amazing on the slow tempos, and the guitars spits excellent riffs), the kicks in the nose called "Shepherds" and "Manifestation", and the long and massive "Echo Chamber" (very good vocals, indeed) are very good songs that points for a new and good name. IRON ALTAR is a good band, and with the right insight, will astonish many fans. For now, "Pillars of Blood" is a good work.