[5/10] For such a young band, and for a first-time release recorded on all the usual time and money constraints, this six-track EP by Diatribe shows a good deal of ability. The production is monstrous, with a particular emphasis on the massive bottom end, all the songs fire off one after another like rounds from an assault rifle and the band play with an unquestionable amount of passion and aggression. So why then don’t I get it?

I’ve asked myself this question every time I’ve listened to this disc, but I still can’t figure it out. Maybe it’s because all six tracks only stretch over a scant 18 and a half minutes, so it sometimes seems like the band are trying to say too much in too short a space of time. Or maybe it’s the fact that Diatribe work a number of different styles and approaches into their songwriting but in the end the songs still all generally feel alike. Or maybe I’ve just missed the point completely – judging by the number of glowing reviews this disc has received elsewhere, that could very well be it.

If anything, I’ll admit Diatribe play with conviction. The crunching power chords of ‘Big Deal’ open this set and it’s not long before the band are in full angry swing. Underpinned by a thunderous rhythm section and topped by a furious vocal presence, Diatribe would undoubtedly be an intimidating band live. The strong groove attack of their modern thrash/nu-ish metal style adds to that feeling of never-ending energy, and they have that quality about them that would appeal to both younger and older fans of heavy music.

Their influences at times show through a little too clearly though. ‘Morebajana’ resembles a stripped-back Slipknot, and closing track ‘The Shit I See’ is Sepultura, especially in the drum-led finish. Elsewhere though Diatribe really deliver, like in the super bass-heavy ‘Life In Life’, or the rambunctious midsection in ‘Outside My Inside’. When it works it really works, so that’s why it’s sad to say that Diatribe in the end seems to make a lot of noise without really saying all that much.

There’s no doubt in my mind that this young band has a bright future ahead of them. There’s also no doubt in my mind that this EP will be finding itself in many people’s CD collections very soon. I’ll give credit where credit’s due, but I just can’t see where this band is coming from, and that’s about all I can say really.

Related Link: diatribe.com.au