Ok, I understand the fascination of many for a Heavy Rock in the vein of bands as ALICE IN CHAINS that work on a music dense and full of deeper feelings, but trying to sound in an accessible way. A formula used many times, by names I really don't need to write here. And to be honest, it's not the music I usually hear (even being an eclectic guy as I am), but sometimes, good names appear. This is the case com Australian quartet from Melbourne ARCANE SAINTS, coming with their EP "In the Shade of the Juniper".

It's an accessible and almost Pop Rock way, that really reminds something from names like SILVERCHAIR, but being a bit more powerful, heavy and with some energy. But their musical orientation is clear: to play on radios and have some commercial success. Their riffs and vocals are really done in this way, having a good rhythmic support done by bass guitar and drums. But don't go looking for something new or the new success for radios. The guys still have a long way to go, so don't be in a hurry.

The sound quality is very good, with clarity and some weight, but with all in their musical elements in their due places. And we can say that their music really aim for a broader public, not for Metalheads used to extreme Metal and have their radical insights about music.

Of course they have fine moments as we can hear on songs as "Juniper" (some weight on guitars and very good melodic vocals), "Streetlights & Symphonies" (A totally accessible song, with fine work on bass and drums, with changes between heavy moments and more tender and more Pop orientated), and their tender ballad "Cellophane Eyes" (no radio on the world would let them out after this song).

Good, but I really must say that this EP is for fans of nothing extreme.