There no denying that Queensland-based label Obsidian Records have a solid and impressive roster of acts to their name. But if there’s one that I had to single out as one of my real favourites, it would have to be Brisbane based act ‘neath. Although I was more than a little sceptical about the four piece act being billed as the Australian equivalent to Swedish progressive death metal leaders Opeth, I have to say that one listen to their debut full-length effort The Spiders Sleep had me agreeing wholeheartedly.

Having said that, it’s unfair to say that ‘neath mimic Opeth note for note, because that’s not the case. Throughout the five tracks on The Spiders Sleep, ‘neath (who comprise of vocalist/keyboardist Boyd Potts, guitarist Tim Dowdle, bassist David Lingard and drummer Jonathan Moore) reveal a whole host of influences (Devin Townsend and Frantic Bleep in particular), all the while creating their own niche within the progressive death metal realm.

The opening track “When The Birds Lie Dead” is a perfect example of ‘neath’s multi-layered influences, with the joint keyboard/guitar introduction demonstrating the bands ability to write memorable, catchy and simple melodies. Further into the song, the band prove they’re more than capable of delivering aggressive passages (especially with Potts out front on vocals), without forsaking melody, or a sense of flow throughout. The title track “The Spiders Sleep” is the album’s definite high moment/centerpiece with its melodic Townsend (Ocean Machine era)-like moments fused seamlessly with heavy and aggressive Opeth influences. But it’s the Alchemist/Tool like tribal elements around the middle that really impress, and what really gives ‘neath a sound that’s not immediately easy to categorise.

“The Silk-Laden Whore” is definitely one of the album’s more groove-driven and more immediate sounding songs, while “Sordid Grim Lie” moves from a piano driven introduction to passages that hint at melodic black metal, before finishing up with a piano/guitar combination tail end that’s reminiscent of Deadsoul Tribe. Finishing up the album is the anthem like “Black Identity Crisis,” which combines brutality with huge soaring clean sung choruses.

‘neath is without a doubt one of the most interesting groups to emerge from the Australian scene I’ve heard in a long time. And while The Spiders Sleepmay not receive the same recognition that their collective influences have with their more recent releases, it doesn’t make it any less impressive. All up, ‘neath definitely comes highly recommended.

www.myspace.com/neathmusic