Bound by Spells

The Australian band StarGazer has been around since 1995, and although they have only 4 albums, they can brag a number of splits, singles and EPs as well. Although blackened vibes are typical of StarGazer, there are few of them on this release. This "Bound by Spells" EP offers a portion of progressive thrash/death metal uprush, basically the old school of those genres.

Touches of both early Atheist and Cynic are felt from the very first title track, while the second piece, 'Naughtilus', begins with a riff in the spirit of Mekong Delta, which is replaced by something Sadus-esque, including both Coroner and later Death vibes. Right, StarGazer are not revolutionaries, but true progressive believers.

Only the third song 'Mater Eld' can surprise you with an almost power metal episode, epic and solemn, which is perceived as strange against the general sophisticated background. You can detect a slight dissonance in each song, but not so much as expected from StarGazer. If you weren't familiar with this band before, "Bound by Spells" is a great chance to start.

Metalegion # 15