From Bandcamp, comes only this short introduction of the band: Anglo-American heavy metal project. They are difficult to pin down in terms of style. The album features classic metal influences filtered through a prism of death metal.” The album has seven songs, and the title track is first. Dark, fuzzy guitar tones with a slow and powerful feeling begins the song. The vocals are also harsh, guttural at times, and screams at others. The pacing varies from there, but the vocal harmonies that come out after the half-way mark are very well done. “Perpetual Imbalance” is shorter, and has a distinct groove to it. The way that the band is able to shift gears is amazing, and their constant movement keeps the listener engaged.

“A Universal Evil” has more traditional Death Metal elements, but they are bent and twisted to the band’s will. Take a listen to the lead guitar parts for more of what I am referring to. They hold just enough melody to temper some of the filth. “Hermitage” has greasy, filthy dissonant tones where the guitars seem to trail off to under the ground. It’s a slow, desperate grind, that sounds like endless grey skies, and the vocals sound tortured. “Many Shades, a Storm” has brutal, punishing tones that are partly tempered with some lead guitar melodies, but they don’t match well, like oil and water. This combination seems to work in the song however.

“Decline and Fall” has the type of dissonance that you might hear from an artist like IHSAHN. At times, some of the elements seem to be disconnected but they come together by the half-way mark. “Living Mythology” closes the album, and it’s a more traditional, more straightforward riff at first. At times, it is weighted and depressive, and lively at other times. There aren’t too many unique Metal bands out there these days, but count GREY MOUNTAIN as one. At is core, I would describe it a combination of Death and Doom Metal, but with a hearty side helping of surprises. Sometimes the surprises are tasty morsels of melody for example. I applaud them for thinking outside of the box and pulling it off.