Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating * * * *

The problem can be sometimes that we by nature become too accustomed in the way we live, some comfortably others not so, that as individuals and as a body of people we shy away from taking risks for fear of being perhaps embarrassed or heaven forbid, being seen as unproductive in a world that has got so quick and busy. So much so, that put your feet up for an hour and listen to something out of a so called comfort zone could be classed as self-indulgent and not part of the new way of thinking.

This is compounded when the music and artists are from another country, one that perhaps doesn’t speak the language as you do, is it something that people just keep away from and slip something they have heard a million times before or take that chance and listen to something original and might just take them on a small or even grand adventure.

In 2013 there has been some incredibly scintillating music from across the English and North Sea that hangs in the section of metal, not everyone’s favourite genre granted but groups such as Eyrn Non Dae, Karelia and Benea Reach have given the British heavy metal fan something tangible and exciting to grasp onto with both hands and a grappling hook firmly ensnared between their teeth.

Another behemoth, the rare sighting of an Italian Moby Dick like creature, big, brash and positive with its use of the genre, submerging itself beneath the waves of contempt that might flow out of the so-called serious side of the nation’s musical taste is that of Dementia Senex and their new E.P. Heartworm. Fronted by Cristian Franchin, Dementia Senex blow away any pre-conceptions about the supposed validity of the music on offer and give the listener a mind blowing scrap, a fight to the death between the muscle and sheer power of the corporate metal world and the lone sailors battling waves of indifference and who strike at the very heart of the beast with Ahab like vengeance on its mind.

This though is not some mad-man’s struggle of gaining the upper-hand, this is precision and power wrapped up in five piece cannon shot, this is a band that will enjoy the battle of taking down a beast.

The E.P. may be just under 18 minutes in length but it is more than enough time to let the rain of arrows, disguised perfectly as words and exciting drum patterns, seize hold. The guitar does the rest as it goes in for what it hopes to be the final blow against apathy and throughout it all the songs come up smelling as if washed on a sun drenched deck in the stillest of waters. Unscented Walls, Kairos and the title track all take prisoners with ease, the question of whether the giant can repeatedly repel the advances of heavy metal, not just any old metal but simmering brutality, from places such as France and Italy could soon be moot but for now the music is there and attainable and as precious as it should be.

Ian D. Hall