Australia seems to be recovering its Metal scene. It's because the country, maybe for its location, takes too long to reveal good names. I can be wrong, because I rarely hear about Australian bands in the middle of the flood of clones from 80s and 90s. But luck seems to give a smile to me sometimes, because to listen to "Blind Leading the Lifeless", an EP from Australian quartet ICE ON MERCURY, is truly a pleasure.

Melodic and tender to reach many youngsters, but heavy and aggressive to the bone, their musical style can be defined as a Hard Rock with musical influences from FAITH NO MORE (especially on vocals), the catchy and aggressive guitar parts from ANTHRAX, the modern and aggressive Groove influences from PANTERA, and these elements are mixed with heavy parts and charming choruses. I know that this description can sound a bit weird to some puritan fans, but it is what you'll hear on the EP, and their musical work is really very good, indeed.

The sound quality was orientated to fuse the elements of their identity, and it really reached its goal. The sound is clear and we can understand what they are playing, but when they want to be heavy and aggressive, the sound quality allows the band to do so. It's not perfect, but it fits in what they want to do.

Unfortunately, the EP has only 6 songs. Yes, because they deserve more time, and we deserve more of their work. But for now, songs as the accessible and melodic "Blind Leading the Lifeless", the brutal and aggressive Groove of "Little People" (very good guitar riffs are presented here, along with a melodic and catchy chorus), the grinding rhythmic parts and very good melodies of the heavy songs called "Numbers" and "General Justification" (this one is truly heavy, presenting heavy riffs, but very good melodic lines on the chorus), the fine equilibrium between of aggressive and melodic voices presented on "Wash It Away" and on "Pantomime" (this one presents a very good work from the guitars once more).

I hope these guys can come with a full-length album as soon as possible, and that they can tour out of their country, because their music is too good to be known only there.