TOVARISH is a band from Providence, Rhode Island; their sound could be described as Heavy Ambient. More than a bunch of songs, what we have here is a work comprised of suites. Their offering bounces between subtle noises/clean guitars, and heavy, eerie sounds, amen to their Metal guitars, some growl, post-apocalyptic samples; giving us an overall flavor of cinematic Score music.

The opening "They Know" has a Tchaikovksian pounding feel ala "Marche Slave" with heavy guitars, and crowded sampled chants. Think it as the nemesis doppelganger of QUEENSRYCHE´s "Anarchy X" meets GODFLESH. And yes, we are dealing with tons of politically charged music, what would you expect with a band named TOVARISH anyway? "We Slept" on the contrary, has an intimate vibe, guitar chords are not open this time, giving more space for delayed notes in a subtle, TANGERINE DREAM post TOOL way.

"Silver and Lead" (great name and first single) starts with a claustrophobic motif giving way to a melodic theme, reminds me a little bit of NIN´s "A Warm Place" including some looped screamed vocals, which works effectively. "In the Language of Firepower" includes feminine voices, which contrast with the visceral noises as a sonic counterpoint, resulting in a constant tension between two characters (I guess) resolving with an explosion sound. With such simple elements, these guys can tell you a plethora of stories, terrific.

"The Year Without Summer" continues this nightmarish claustrophobic aura, yet with feminine vocals. It differs quite a bit from the previous "Silver and Lead" in terms of using a minor-key melody, whereas the latter sounded paradoxically anthemic (lack of a better word). "If the War Comes Tomorrow" serves as an outro with sludgier elements to the mix, with a continuous chant of "USA, USA, USA" sampled at the beginning, childish voices, and drone guitars (a noticeable influence from CELTIC FROST´s Monotheist).

The mix and mastering of this work are top-notch; they channeled an elegant use of volume and silences. Big kudos to the production team. As an epilogue about this album, I can´t help but remember the time I went to Mauthausen´s concentration camp, and reflecting about humanity´s self-destructing tendencies; this music reached my most desolated inner core and allowed some sense of reflection about life and death.