As evident by all of the ads and commercials that are crammed down our thoats daily on our TV's and/or our favorite internet websites, the hard truth is that Hip Hop, Rap, and Pop music control the music industry. Appealing to the cell phone toting teenager and their social media accounts is "priority one" for most industry executives. This leads to little or no interest in Metal from most of the big budget record labels and thus, making it hard for a true Heavy Metal band to reach the masses. A relatively few amount of these bands can actually make a profitable living. making pure, vintage Heavy Metal music while the others are left to go the self financed, Independent release route. And now, for the avid fan of the heaviest of genres, finding a good release these days is a chore, but if you look hard enough, you'll find one.

Saying all of that brings me to the new independently released EP, titled "Blistering Lies" by the two man, hard hitting band, SCREAMING BEAST. This powerful collaboration from the UK was created when Daniel Mucs -All instruments- (Collibus, Wolfcrusher, Dirty Habit, Not above Evil) joined forces with Anton War-All Vocals- (Gridlocked) and the rest is history, as they say. Their sound is like a mixture of Kings X and HELLYEAH with a hint of Pantera. "Blistering Lies" takes me way back to the mid 90's when some of the old school Thrash Metal bands evolved into a groove oriented, blues beat sound, ala Metallica's Load album. The production is a similar sound to that of a garage band from years gone by, but isn't that just the way we like it?

Initially, listening to the first track, "Lost and Betrayed", I thought I was listening to San Francisco's own BlackGates. The really tight, sludge-laden guitar licks layed down by Daniel are perfectly complimented by the, Phil Anselmo-like vocals of Anton. This song really smokes and is earily reminscent of early HELLYEAH music.

Track two, "Society of Slaves", starts out with a haunting groove but picks up the pace quickly when the machine gun style guitar chops and drum blasts start their assault on your ears. This is by far the fastest song on the EP.

"This Fray", the third and final track, starts out like Slipnot but very smoothly turns into Metallica's "Load". A very bass driven track that flows like the sweetest of fine wines. The guitar work is amazing and will have you thrashing your head to and frow until your neck is sore. You will probably blow your speakers trying to get this one loud enough.

SCREAMING BEAST have really delivered the goods on "Blistering Lies". The only problem here is that there are only three tracks on this EP, and with music this good, you'll be wanting more. This is definately one of the independent releases you'll want to own. These two guys have a bright future and I can't wait to hear a full length album from them.