After my first listen to the first song on CRY EXCESS's album "The Deceit", I was instantly hooked. The Metal band from Italy are inspired by Modern Metal greats such as AVENGED SEVENFOLD and ESCAPE THE FATE, and the infamous RAMMSTEIN. The band formed in 2011, and have had great success so far, including scoring a 20-date tour in the UK, and touring Eastern Europe with TARJA TURUNEN. Their debut album further solidifies their reputation as an impressive Metal band, so check out "The Deceit".

The opening track is a mere 1 and half minutes, but like I said earlier, that's all it took to catch my attention. "Welcome To This Hell Hole" introduces the band's alternative sound, before announcing their heavier side. Following a long introduction with an interesting beat, Jaxon Vex's awesome vocals come in, first whispered, before being growled over a breakdown. This track showcases the diversity of the group's music, and also introduces the supreme talent of the members. "The Middle Children of History" is heavy from the get go, with Andrew Vex's epic riffs, the aptly-named The Groovster's funky bass, and Brian Nox's intense drum skills. This track also presents the listener with the awesome dual vocal work of brothers Jaxon and Andrew Vex, the contradiction between the cleans and the screams really makes the song. Next up we have "Lion Vs. Hyenas", sure to be a captivating battle. This track has a nice melodic quality to it, but certainly isn't lacking in distortion. The vocal and guitar melodies are catchy, the drums are heavy, the bass groovy - what's not to love about this track?

"The Worst of Intentions" features some more elements of alternative music, with effects at the beginning before the Metal takes over. This track is somewhat unnerving, and I can't quite pinpoint why - I think it may be the juxtaposition in the vocal work, which is as extraordinary as ever. Track 5 follows suit, with haunting whispers and effects introducing the listener to "Call Me When Your Words Will Become Facts". Despite these eerie qualities, the song maintains its catchiness. The song ends much the same as it began, but this time accompanied with a brutal breakdown. The track to follow begins more subtly, with symphonic key work by The Groovster, slower drumming and emotive vocals by the Vex brothers. "Autumn Ain't Gonna Last Forever" is comparatively softer than the previous songs on the album, as least for the first half of the track, as it erupts into heavy as the song progresses.

Track 7 is fuelled by rage, which is apparent from the title itself. "Turn Your Brain On Before Opening Your Mouth" is a blend of rapid drumming, distorted riffs, malevolent vocals and funky bass - the perfect Metal cocktail. Next up we have another ferocious one - "Bloodbath". This number shows its violent tendencies through riffs that cut like a knife and percussion with a force to bring you to your knees. "What Lies Beneath Your Feet" reinforces the vocal genius of the Vex brothers, with screams, growls, shouts and cleans which will leave you very unsettled. The final track is an appropriate one to finish the album with in my opinion, as it features emotive vocals and melodic guitar work that wind things down nicely. Entitled "We Are All Broken, Baby", track 10 is a soothing number, but still possesses awesome screams to remind the listener that they are listening to a brutal Metal band, which also happen to make amazing soft songs.

CRY EXCESS are a group of men with supreme talent, and I'm so glad I discovered them. I can see the influence of other great Metal bands, yet their sound is definitely their own creation. "The Deceit" is one of my favourite albums I've reviewed so far at Metal Temple, and I definitely recommend you listen to it, on repeat, until you've got every riff, chord and lyric memorized.