Well, this is now the first time I have had the opportunity to look closer at a thrash/progressive band mixed with death metal influences too. MARINER are their name and they come from all the way from TOKYO, JAPAN however we are not sure as to how many members there are in the band as that is not clear, plus there is not much information to go on. Their music, as we will get into it soon, catches a combination of thrash, progressive and what could be old school rock or glam influences too.

But taking all these influences and now MARINER is set for their EP release which is actually only two tracks long. DEVASTATING SYNERGY is the title and well I genuinely have a thirst for progressive or thrash, although with this band throwing death metal into the fore as well, is probably a brave move perhaps bold. "Proclamation" being the first of two tracks is certainly strong with momentum; carrying that rapid fury guitar melodies, technical or clinical drumming but pumped by the overexaggerated vocal parts.

This track lasting almost 5 minutes is very much a compilation of thrash/death metal mostly, recognized by vocals and drums. There are hints of old school rock, glam or hair metal influences. The second track, "A You Eclipse" opens with more melodic guitar tuning and then it's projecting the thrash or progressive elements beyond the sound barriers. There are more opportunities for the instrumental side of the band to come through.

But as before the vocals pull together which shriek as the guitar goes wildly out of control. It's obvious that both tracks offer a teaser and taste of what MARINER is all about. This is a pretty definitive statement but I do feel that this band can do better. The combination of progressive, death and thrash metal is much to be desired, it's adequate but there is room for improvement.