I would say that Allegiance is an up and coming act from Australia and that they have huge potential for success, but they may have already made it. Some of the big names they have been supporting acts for include Pantera, Slayer, Fear Factory and Anthrax. Looking to gather even more attention they give to us their latest offering "Skinman".
"Skinman" presents a collection of heavy guitar riffs that although would not rival them, would be in the same league as those to be heard coming from power metal leaders Pantera. One thing that you can't help notice with all the guitar flare is the technical strength that Allegiance has. The rhythm and lead alters very often with an incredible level of binding to the time changes held together by drummer Glenn Butcher. Initially it's difficult to notice the technical aspect, since the first offerings on the song sound as though they were meant to be highly aggressive, something they don't quite manage to do. The possible loss of aggression on the album is due to the vocals of Conrad Higson. While Higson has a decent vocal style (mid-octave somewhat forced singing) it doesn't quite match the instruments force. In all honesty though my impression of not having a high level of intensity and aggression comes partially from the band photos that I saw. Proudly displaying their Machine Head, Brujeria, Napalm Death, and Cradle Of Filth shirts they put me into an extreme state of mind on the first listen.
Allegiance is a powerful band that will surely make their presence more known in the years to come. Inspired by the suicide of a member of their road crew nicknamed "Skinman", the album, while not complete emotionally, has a great techincal aspect and puts them in a higher class of metal with other big acts.
The band:
Dave Harrison - Bass
Conrad Higson - Vocals
Tony Campo - Guitars
Jason Stone - Guitars
Glenn Butcher - Drums
Allegiance
355 Guilford Road
Bayswater 6053
Western Australia
Fax +61 9 272 5079
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