Tense vibes and sharp riffs collide on "Only For The Blinded Eyes," the debut LP by Finland's AMONG THE PREY. Featuring a group of veteran musicians known for their past work in the Finnish Metal scene, the band hammer out song after emotionally-charged song with little compromise.

AMONG THE PREY don't waste any time getting cute with opener "Smile," going for the throat with its predatory riffing and unrelenting percussion. It's as good a song as any to open the album, a fine display of the band's no-nonsense ethos and a perfect example of the sort of scathing commentary the band's lyrics deal with. Granted, it's very standard fare if you're even vaguely interested in Metalcore or other, like-minded music, but it's no less sincere for their efforts. "Beyond Repair" is another driving number that entices with its razor-sharp, down-tuned riffing, and goes in for the kill with its surging melodies. The title track continues forward with a more Thrashy approach, catching fire quickly after it's slamming intro, descending into a slight, melodic lull, then pulling back into high-gear for another bombing run before descending into a slow, heavy groove. Where "Smile" showed the band's strengths at a glance, this song shows the full picture, all in one compact, bruising package.

The next few songs continue in a similar vein to the previous tracks, and while there isn't a whole lot of variance from track to track, there are still a few moments where the melodies and rhythms sync to create a moment of unfiltered, visceral intensity, as is the case in the perseverant "Wake Up." "Two Worlds Collide" is a little refreshing with its more Death Metal-leaning approach, with coarse riffs that belie its anguished, abandoned tone. "Dancing On Our Graves" ushers in the end in lament rather than accusation. Thankfully, it is the listener who has the last laugh, as the song, in all its mid-paced grit and grime, burns out satisfyingly.

Some traditional-minded listeners might be a little off-put by the Metalcore elements that pervade the album, but the fact of the matter is that "Only For The Blinded Eyes" is a focused, intense, and competent effort, no matter what you call it. From beginning to end, AMONG THE PREY deliver the goods with huge aggression and plenty of passion. A solid release, to be sure.Final Verdict: 7/10