Other than it is a great debut album, it takes either guts or indifference to debut a Nu- or Crossover-Metal album little before 2010. It even got a “hidden” track, something that once used to be so common. A long long time ago, when I first saw these guys perform, they even had a scratcher. Now there sound has evolved a little over the years, it’s still nu-metal, it still sounds like Deftones, Lost Prophets, Incubus and even some Limp Bizkit. That is to say, vocals ranging from rapping to clean melodics and backing grunts. Supported by 2 7-string guitars, good drumming and a very prominent bass-guitar.

Having seen the band perform for many years, I’m glad there are several new tunes but they haven’t forgotten to include some of their older work, the songs that made want to watch this band over and over again in the first place. Although I had to wait to the very end of the album, that is, the hidden track… to hear I believe their most well known song “Down With The Powers” which is a kickass song that can’t possibly be any more nu-metal .

The production of this album is of great quality, the sound is well balanced and has many layers. The hidden track even features a saxophone solo wich works suprisingly well. It’s hard to imagine this album as the debut of a local band I’ve know for years.

My only problem with it is the following, why did it take so long for Ostend Powers to release their debut?

If you are a fan of nu-metal, and the bands mentioned.. get this album, as non-Belgians this might be a bit hard, but it’s definately worth it.

Official website
Official myspace

Today I had to pleasure to discover Draven, when they joined DJ Sophski this afternoon on Totalrock. The first track played was Blitz, and it simply blew me away. They’re just released debut album “Eden” did so well it sold out in several major music dealerships in the UK. And that’s quite a feat for your first album.

It being produced by no other than Kevin Shirley (Metallica, Iron Maiden, Led Zep, …) means only one thing; each song I heard was finished, sounded like I should have heard of Draven years ago.

If you like your British no nonsense hard rock… Do check these guys out.

This is not a review, that will surely come once I get my hands on that sold out album of theirs.

Draven website | Myspace | Download audio interview (.rar)