It is not the first time that extreme Metal artists choose to form a band/project in order to explore other areas of the 'hard' sound. Remember Bewitched, Desperado or even Eibon, as an example. Some of these attempts can lead to interesting results while others sink in the ocean of monotony. Sweden's Harms Way eventually fit in the second 'class'.
Freddie assembled Harms Way in late 2003. Previously known as 'Freddy Eugene' in Swedish Death Metal masters Unleashed, he also holds credit with acts such as Celestial Pain, Born Of Fire and Terra Firma. Recruiting the latter band's frontman Dim, second guitarist Erik (Merciless) stepped in. By recording a three-song demo - later to be issued on 10 vinyl single - a contract with Black Lodge Records was 'born'; the band was now ready to enter White Chapel Music Machine Studio in Stockholm to 'shape' its debut album for an autumn 2006 release. The question is: what kind of music can such an extreme 'crew' flirt with in this album?
A couple of riffs will make you stiff upper lip for awhile. Then things are set clear enough. Stoner Rock - with the 'consistency' of the early Sabbath legacy in the songwriting - filtered through enough 70s Rock (in terms of guitar leads) and some of Space Rock (yeap, even Hawkwind). Monster Magnet, Queens Of The Stone Age, some of (late) Metallica and the rest of the relative clan is what comes to mind, mainly. Even - in slower moments - Led Zeppelin 'appear' out of nowhere. The vocals are rather clear for such an approach; the same thing applies for the production. Too 'shiny' for this genre.
Not much of an interesting album, Oxytocin may draw near the kind of rockers ready to accept 'stoned' rhythms. The rest should run away from this one...