Trends in Metal and Rock 'n' Roll are common features. From time to time, they appear, and this is the reason that some genres become greater than the others. Since the 80s, you can trace the things in this way: Thrash Metal was supreme from 1986 to 1991; Death Metal ruled from 1991 to 1995; Black Metal from 1994 to 2000 was the most evident; and melodic Power Metal genres became a great force from 2000 to 2003. Nowadays, due the weakening of the power from great record labels (due the illegal downloads), the tendencies are not so evident, because Metalheads are divided (a thing that never was to happen), but the most evident styles are those from the past, especially from the 60s, 70s and 80s. Personally, I can't stand these trends, because the flood of trash and clones is truly disgusting. But there are some bands that can take all the clichés and do something good, as the quintet FLAYED, from Austria. Their EP "XI Million" is truly a piece of good music.

Mixing influences from classic Hard Rock from the 70s with some modern Rock 'n' Roll elements, their music is truly catchy and tender, with very good melodies and the necessary instrumental technique. Very good choruses, melodic and catchy musical arrangements are the features you'll find on their EP, and if you understand what they are about, you'll be hooked to their music. The sound quality is very good, indeed. They made something in an organic way, but not trying to emulate what was already done. It's not filthy or raw as in the 70s, but clear in the way you can understand what they are playing. It makes the difference in many points, and the artwork of the cover is really nice as well.

The catchy melodies and fine work from Hammond on "Eleven Million", the excellent melodic lines and chorus of "Trend is Over" (hope the song's name can become a reality as soon as possible), the good rhythmic work from bass guitar and drums on "Shoot the Trail" (filled with that bluesy essential touch for earlier Rock 'n' Roll bands), and that energy that make you all shake your bodies can be heard on "Rollin' Monkey". The only point that really makes me think that the band didn't need to do is "Fortunate Son", an old song from CREEDENCE CLEARWATER REVIVAL, because their version is very good, but one more song of their own. It's good, but one more song of them should be great!

These last words make me think that why in the blazes they didn't release an album, because FLAYED is better than many bands of this same style that are being praised by now.

Listen to their EP and you will know what I mean.