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I was pretty impressed by the self-financed 2000 demo EP from this New York based band and therefore not very surprised when they secured a record contract. The dreadlocked front woman of the band will appeal visually to men in particular at live shows but personally I value only the music when writing reviews. Beauty is nothing negative (especially not for pop artists or fashion models) but when you review music that is all that you should focus on. What struck me when I heard this band the first time was the incredible energy that lived both in the music but also the vocals from Israeli born Lizza Hayson who uses her talent very nicely and does not only stick to one specific style of singing. She adds a very personal touch to this debut album and although she could become slightly more aggressive at times in order to push Mahavatar to their absolute maximum. She does however do a good job holding back when she should.
Musically it is very difficult to describe this multi-national act. A Jamaican guitarist and an Israeli vocalist provides some very interesting musical influences. I would like to add them to a genre I label as aggro-metal where you can count in bands from genres generally known as metalcore, nu-metal, power thrash etc. Mahavatar has a lot in common with these bands and I think especially the tribal feeling and vocals will appeal to fans of these modern bands although these debutants also share plenty with stoner / doom bands. The band has been above demo band standards for several years already but now Cruz Del Sur Music helps the band take the next logical step in their career. Musically they have ended up in a somewhat difficult situation - too doomy for mainstream metal and too modern for the underground community. If you simply appreciate good music then give them a chance. Lizza's clean choruses do not always convince but otherwise Mahavatar has found a winning concept. Nothing fancy and complex but it works.
| Tracklist |
| 1. Cult |
| 2. By The Numbers |
| 3. Raw |
| 4. Open Your Minds |
| 5. Psychos |
| 6. Deep Cobble |
| 7. Anger |
| 8. The Time Has Come |
: 35.29
| Buy other Mahavatar albums |
