Genre Savior

After those crushing drums took hold from "The Art of War," there was little to doubt in my mind about this band from Guwahati, India. So much so, in fact, that when the Dream Theaterish vocals kicked in about halfway through, I didn't do my usual cringing. Not even a bat of an eyelash. I normally don't go in much for that style, but the excellent proggy riffage suits it so well. Furthermore, the melodies themselves are totally legit.

"Winter in Thine Eyes" is particularly well-rounded in all of these respects. Slaying guitar hooks, catchy clean vocals, epic solos, and dynamic drumming. What a ride. This track is, for me, is the crown jewel of Rectified Spirit's The Waste Land, but it's not all that they have to offer either. "Green Hornet" and the aforementioned opener do their share of headbanging. There are also some softer moments, like "Afterthought." While these aren't my favorite parts of the album, they are well done and show the same solid structuring and catchiness.

I have to say, this is a rare instance for me: one where I prefer the clean vox over the harsh ones. Rainjong Lepcha's highs are just so damn strong, and perfectly walk the line that seperates epic from cheesy. Power metal and modern heavy metal are just groan-inducing for me the vast majority of the time. I can't take it seriously. But somehow, between the pitch-perfect deliveries and the stellar guitar work, I was more than cool with what Rectified Spirit was dishing out.

I will make the point that The Wasted Land feels a bit inconsistent, mostly in the second half. But there are so many strengths here to work with, that I am truly excited about what they have to offer the genre. If they stick with it, this is a band that is going to come back and kill it. All of the pieces are there, and we haven't really seen a new band in this style really rise since Dragonforce hit the radio. I feel this warrants that level attention while also doing a better job creating a bridge to everything from Priest to Blind Guardian. One caveat: they can't do it without you. Please buy the album and spread the word to anyone who will listen. India has come to save a tired genre from stagnation.