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One of Florida's notable underground quirky acts comes in the form of Gainesville's own local avant-garde heavy metal band Hot Graves. Formed sometime in the late 2000s, this four piece has come onto the scene somewhat hard with their constant demo releases and couple full-lengths consisting of pure madness. They've even featured on a few splits and compilations in addition to all of the other several releases they possess under their belt, so the experience is definitely there. Interestingly enough also, the band is unveiling their fourth EP to date via the Redefining Darkness Records label, which is a brief collection of four tracks that act as a follow up to their previous demo from last year. So, without further ado, here is the Haunted Graves EP in all its glory, courtesy of Hot Graves.
The album wastes no time getting right to the thrashy crossover riffing, lightning speed trash can snares and grindy-esque vox in the self-titled track. There are some nice techy licks thrown in and a guitar solo towards the end that's somewhat memorable (which is thankfully a running theme of this release: a breath of fresh air in itself); however, I really enjoyed how the music turned really gloomy and went into more melodic tremolo riffs in the latter half. There are some core breakdowns sprinkled in some sections, though they're rather brief, with the overall music taking on a more blackened ambiance in the long run in certain songs. While the self-titled opening track was reminiscient of crossover thrash and 90s black metal, 'Sewage Communion' is more in line with stuff like Exhumed structure, high pitched vox and riffs mixed in with early 2000s metallic hardcore in the vein of like Martyr AD-type of chromatic breakdowns, too. This sound carries over greatly with the grindy third track as well. The final song in the form of 'Rotted' really turned out to be my personal fave mainly because of its fleshed out feel, sound transition into Slayer-like riffs halfway in and solidly swift guitars. I'd be lying if I said Haunted Graves wasn't full of surprises and bouts of experimental innovation, two factors which make up for the less than stellar production quality, intentional or not. It's a short, but kinda fun release to be heard.
The new Hot Graves EP is one that, while brief and kinda short in content, makes up for it mostly in musical innovation and songwriting quality. Despite the shoddy production, these musicians have demonstrated an ambition for the experimental throughout this four song, eleven minute release. There are moments of gloomy blackened ambiance, oldschool thrash riffs, tough guy hardcore and death metal vox as well as some generally nostalgic feels here and there. Overall, it stands as a collection of hardened instrumentals, fast progression and aggression alike in addition to some sweet guitar solos and grindy riff-heavy tracks that are just fun to hear. It's not the strongest EP I've heard musically, but I give it credit for branching out and trying something a bit different from the rest.
Fave Track: 'Rotted'
For Fans Of: Exhumed, Toxic Holocaust
**This release is available now here!**
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-Review by: Dave Raffy
Musician, reviewer, fan & promoter
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