The Canadian powerhouse of the day, RED CAIN, has made waves in the metal community since 2016. Their latest release gives us hope that they will not be slowing down anytime soon. Three albums in to their award worthy metal career, Tyler Corbett is bringing his creative talent to the table by performing, writing, producing, mixing, and mastering this noteworthy album. This vehicle of "melancholy and rage" keeps rolling out the hits.

Giving his own flair to the music is frontman Evgeniy Zayarny. His hope with the band is to bring back the long admired "Devil's music" aesthetic to metal. Although I personally think that we can leave that history to the blues, the charming notes of mysticism and elements of intricate progressive groove are welcome.

Getting in to the track by track on this record, "Kindred" leads us in with an immediately metal riff. No subtlety, no games, pure lead riffing on a wild ride of a song. It caught my attention on the first listen through that the vocalist almost didn't suit the vibe of the tracks, but I was quickly proven wrong as elements of the song changed in every transition. Never judge a track by its cover, or however "they" say it. "Demons" jumps in after the opener with an insanely well produced and cohesive experience. The contrast between the two definitely made me wonder how they were brought about by the same team. This track is crystal clear and flawless, giving me the impression that if this band wanted to step in to mainstream metal it would go off without a hitch. The basics I have for the track though are simply; have a listen, get the track stuck in your head, learn to play along on the guitar.

The uniquely titled "Varyag and The Shrike" brings the attack down only a notch, giving little reprieve before bringing us back to the head boppin' metal we all crave. The track features mellow and rage, as promised, before dragging us back with guitar chops and groovy drum swells. I would call this a showcase of the real power and range that RED CAIN brings to the table. "Sunshine (Blood Sun Empire)" absolutely had to make the review, bringing the album to a close with a wonderful combo of fluid vocal transitions and intensity. The transition from clean vocals to fry and even high-pitched belting show our frontman to be an extremely gifted musician. More than any other track on the album, the guitar leads scream through the front of the mix to give an epic flow to the track.

These seasoned metal performers brought me to school with a clear cut album, delivered beautifully across seven tracks. The epic highs and lows of the album leave me wanting more, and I will probably have to guitar play through with at least a few more. My hat is off to RED CAIN!