Twintera may have started out as a garage band, but in the years since 2005 they have evolved into something rather different doing a good job, in the process, of creating “a truly personal heavy metal sound”, as their stated aim suggests they wished to do. Moreover the band do a grand job of combining multifarious influences in a sound that recaptures much of the hedonism of the eighties metal scene, only with a stronger, modern production to give it greater depth and power.
Opening with a horror movie intro (‘71839’), it is the powerfully melodic ‘by hand of justice’ that introduces the listener to the world of Twintera. A rocking track, it actually sounds like a cross between Stone Sour and Motley Crue, the vocals delivered in a Hanoi Rocks aping high-pitch wail, the guitars multi-layered and not afraid to engage in lengthy solos, the blistering fret work on this particular track destined to have air-guitarists up and down the land practicing in front of their mirrors with glee. ‘Where we land’ opens with a grinding riff and pummelling drums (Massimo Bellamoli) to deliver a track that is technical, crushing and, vocals notwithstanding, reminiscent of megadeth’s powerful thrash. ‘On the edge of…’ has a fine groove to it, gang vocals and a gritty snarl to Fabio Merzi’s vocals that draw you into Twintera’s heady rock ‘n’ roll world, the riffs a neat amalgam of Metallica and Iron maiden with a twisted melodic edge that is simply impossible to resist. ‘Oversight’, in contrast, shows a more dynamic side to the band as they deliver a well-paced and written power ballad which worms its way into your head and lodges itself there for days – be warned, you may well find yourself singing along as you queue for the bus! Featuring Tom S. Englund of Evergrey it’s a brilliantly diverse track that walks the brave line between anthemic and cheesy and succeeds in wholly sticking to the former rather than the latter side.
Having reeled you in with their powerful hooks, Twintera continue to impress with ‘Cool 18’, a track that more than lives up to its name with its funky bass (Stefano Fava) and inescapable groove. Jazzy, funky and hugely enjoyable, like many of the tracks here it has its own distinct feel and yet still forms part of a coherent whole, making the album a thoroughly enjoyable experience from start to finish. ‘Run!’ has an urgent riff that matches its explanation-mark-topped title before slipping into a strangely restrained verse that houses a serpentine venom that slithers close to the listener before striking with the riff-strewn chorus. ‘Burning heart’ is a survivor cover that strays rather too far into fan worship territory but which is fun nonetheless and then the solid FM rock of ‘Waves’ with its aching solos and gently progressive feel swims into view, clawing its stunning melody into your head for evermore. It’s a grand ballad and no mistake. Heading back into heavier pastures, ‘Killing your feelings’ is arguably the heaviest track here, all surging percussion and a riff so metallic it glimmers darkly even as it threatens to slice you in two. Finally the album closes with the charmingly titled ‘bunch of motherfuckers’ which once again recalls Megadeth at their most atmospheric.
Overall twintera offer much to the long-serving metal fan. Cleverly touching upon any number of reference points across the last twenty to thirty years, they have successfully managed to incorporate their influences whilst sounding fresh and focused at the same time. With perhaps only the survivor cover proving to be a bridge too far, the album is eclectic, well performed and recorded and, most importantly, possessed of a sense of love for the metal genre which shines out of these eleven memorable tracks. Well worth tracking down, ‘lines’ is an album that is invigorating, rewarding and gloriously melodic. Highly recommended.
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