Finnish five-piece Groove Metal FALLING FROM GRACE band have released their debut EP, called "Shadows Of The Past". It contains five hot and heavy Groove Metal songs with hints of Thrash and Melodic Death Metal as well. The Death Metal influence comes mostly from the vocals, the guitars and drums are more Groovy and Thrashy; but it sure is more than just the sum of its parts.

In "Pathetic Perfection" they get right to it. Hard banging drums and penetrating Thrashy guitar riffs kick off the album, with the grunting Death Metal voice coming in pretty soon as well. The combination of their influences already clearly seems to work for them. The whispered grunting voice in the middle of the song followed by a piercing scream is a nice touch, and gives it the song that little bit extra.

"Machine" actually starts that way, with singer Niki Tonteri screaming his lungs out. What keeps it all standing up, however, are the innovative and everchanging guitar riffs from Timi Tonteri and Atte Vaisanen who just keep ringing around in your head. You don't get any chance to breath either. The songs all end and start in the same powerful way. No slowing down for these guys. By the time "Abandoned Hope" comes along, the news of it all has worn a bit off though. The song is still good, but it sounds like more of the same. They sure have their sound but a little something different once in a while would be welcome too.

The same can be said about "Lost Pariah". A very energetic, powerful and well crafted song, but just more of the same as well. I'm starting to notice the lack of guitar solos as well, which I think is a pity with the abilities these musicians have shown until now. The opening riff of final song "Blind Belief" is actually very similar to the one starting off "Pathetic Perfection". It may not be the most diverse EP, but these guys sure show promise.