The Bay Area based group of DAMASCUS has been trying to mix Death Metal in the likes of the new MARDUK with signs of Thrash Metal, not the Bay Area kind as it is in the images of European extreme Thrashers like DEW-SCENTED for example. Their first end result that was released in their EP "Death Spirals", showed a band at its very beginning. When I am saying very beginning I mean that it seemed that they haven't quite found their true direction.

"Death Spirals" is composed of four tracks that presented a variety of faces. I could even hear, while listening, a few flicks of 80s Heavy Metal. Don't know if it was intentional or not but it was surprising. On the whole, DAMASCUS, at least at first impression, is a simple young band that just launched another big step in development. Something tells me that their next release is going to be in a way different than this release.

After the inspiring instrumental intro of "Delirium Before The Dawn" that revealed signs of something great coming on, I can't say that "Beneath The Blazing Sun", although nicely made, was such a unique or exquisite turnout. It kicked ass for sure but there was nothing there that could mark a progress. "The End" was rather commonplace than any track on the list, but still sent a few shards of promise. "Indican Dreams" served as an epic brutal epos, took me into different worlds. I think that this song, while being complex and a bit more intelligent than the others, is what will become of this band eventually. Call it a guarantee? We will have to see what rests ahead for them.

"Death Spirals", as I mentioned, is only the official step of this band. It has the potential to take this band forward. With their current lineup changes and their ongoing energies, I am sure I am going to listen to a different DAMASCUS in a short time.