Thrash/Death Metal - or in reverse order - is what the band from Greece offers in their debut EP. VERMILLION DAYS (nice name!) show their appreciation to the music SEPULTURA once made before they started flirting with jump-around tribal new Metal(?) patterns. If you're in a hurry reading this review, let's simply say "In The Warfield" features (SEPULTURA-wise) 20% of the "Schizophrenia" days, 60% of "Beneath The Remains"'s superiority and 20% of the "Arise" approval.

The quartet hails from Salonica, Greece and breathes evil life for 2-3 years now. With this first self-financed CD they do not hide their will to perform deathrashin' Metal the old-school way. "Beneath The Remains" is truly a point of reference in order to put you in the picture: the riffs are malignant and blackened, the solos owe a lot to early SLAYER, too, and spit sinful fire while the rhythm section is ruthless and nonstop. The vocals are semi-growling but away from the Death Metal trends (let's remind that bands like early SEPULTURA, SADUS or early DEATH and PESTILENCE set some specific standards back in the mid-to-late 80s) and tie well with the music. The total performance - even if not perfect in instrumentation - shows enough dignity and clear motivation to head the listener to speedy headbanging followed by neckbreaking mid-pace breaks.

The production is very good for the style's standards and that should be noted; the mix is also fitting giving justice to every player's parts. Being an EP of 27 minutes is a bonus, too, since the audition rolls on quite smoothly further bringing on some extra anticipation for more songs. The general atmosphere surely is quite 'evil' and grave-isque but (to the band's benefit) "In The Warfield" does not exceed extremity by fashion, being a very good companion to Thrash/Death Metal aficionados.

Bearing in mind most of the bands performing this Metal style years ago have long gone swept away their beliefs, it's bands like VERMILLION DAYS and records like "In The Warfield" reminding us of the original neat ooze of extreme Metal once delivered to our putrid delight. Will keep an eye on this band, for sure; so should you (fans and appropriate labels in interest)!
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