Scarred – Haunting Memories

24 May 2011

1. Rise Like the Sun
2. Haunting Memories
3. Worms of the Universe
4. First Encounter

In 2009 things started happening for American band Scarred when additional members were brought on board and the recording of this EP took place. Haunting Memories came out two years ago but the band is getting ready to release a full length album soon so it seems it’d be a good time to check out their previous work. I liked it so much I decided it was worth a review, so here I am.

Four songs showcase the diversity of Scarred ranging from classic heavy metal, slow heavy ballads, edgy power metal – in a wholely well-rounded package. It’s fresh yet classic; a little Iced Earth-ish with a bit of 70’s metal but most importantly it’s a sound to call their own. The band claims Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, Nevermore, and Iced Earth as influences, which sounds just about right to me.

I found it immediately likeable, easily accessible, and just all around good honest metal.

“Rise Like the Sun” kicks things off on a high note – speedy, power metal-esque, vocals soaring above a mix of lively guitar melodies, riffs and rigorous drums. The song slows to a crawl near the end and blows us away with a wicked guitar solo before resuming it’s usual pace to close out the track.

“Haunting Memories” begins as a leisurely melody with strong, passionate vocals and clean, haunting guitar melodies which slowly build in intensity and heaviness, winding their way down to a false ending and then breaking loose into a frenzy til the end.

“Worms of the Universe” is a slow and sludgey track, seething, heavy. I keep waiting for it to pick up speed or blast out another of those solos but alas it never does and keeps on churning out at the same pace. “First Encounter” is a solid track, mid-paced, great vocals, and vigorous riffage.

All in all, great EP. It isn’t perfect, but for a debut release it’s pretty damn good. Diverse, powerful, and well-composed. Each of these songs shows off a slightly different side of Scarred and gives off a distinct vibe. I’m confident we can expect good things from them in the future and on the full-length.