CAUSTIC ECHOES is a Melodic Metal band based in Boston, Massachusetts. "The Passing of Moonlight" is their latest album and has ten songs. "Ambivalent" is the first. The opening passage is tightly wound, with a smattering of guitars and drums, followed by clean and harsh vocals. I get a distinct Melodic Metalcore vibe with this album, which isn't a bad thing at all. "Among the Sheep" begins with twin guitar harmonies and a thick and meaty bass line. They have the two sides of the genre down pretty well...the melodic side breathes while the more aggressive sound is equally as powerful, especially in the vocals.

"Burnt Offering" has that little bit of diversity that I was waiting for. The opening sequence is both melodic and ardent. Their in between game is what needs the most honing, but so far, not bad, and I am enjoying the sound. "Izanami" is a slower and more poignant song with some genuine emotional impact. I appreciate the band's willingness to explore this type of sound on an album that is otherwise heavy and aggressive. "Lucid" also has some really nice melodies to go along with a weighted backbone. Again, the band is strong at developing harmonies and melodies.

Is "Mr. Crowley" a cover of the infamous OZZY OSBOURNE song? You bet. I like the intro...they use guitar harmonies to replicate the keyboards. The song has strong elements of the original as well as their own personality, and they nailed the guitar solo as well. "Rock and Root" has a backing groove of power to go along with the aggressive guitars. The vocals are varied once more, allowing the listener to move with the varied passages. "The One Below" has a nice opening bass line, and I wish more bands would feature the bass more prominently in their music. So far, the band is also pretty good with their emotional output.

The title track is another diverse offering of sad tones. The music is steady and allows for the sound to develop. Again, it's a genuine and personal approach to songwriting. "The Unpulled Thread" closes the album. It's a rousing sound with plenty of harsh vocals and balls. Overall, this was a solid listen for me. Although their sound isn't anything new per se, the songs were performed with confidence and there was enough diversity to keep things interesting. The band can only go up from here.