And so enter New York’s Severed. Now, don’t get me wrong, this quintet isn’t going to change metal, as their choice of hardcore/thrash/American metal is going to get steamrolled by the likes of All That Remains, Killswitch Engage, Shadows Fall and such, but fans of those bands should definitely take note.

Reminding a little of California’s Better Left Unsaid, Severed’s sound is energetic and competent, and with the deep vocals of Christian Geraldino (Dead to Fall’s Jon Hunt anyone?), a little burly, even with the usual screams and clean interjections. But, they ply this 30-minute album with an honest sense of enjoyment as well as skill. The shredding, galloping dual guitars of Justin Whang and Shane Sorbello have a little Coyle Bros. (God Forbid) and Herbet/Martin (All That Remains) in their flare and melodies and the songwriting has a nice balance of thrashing harmonies and beefy breakdowns, without being overly contrived or clichéd.

In fact, the likes of “Envision” (with a nice little clean/piano bridge before a very sturdy breakdown), catchy “A Better Way”, galloping  “Seasons”  and personal favorite “My Warning” are deceptively good. Geraldino’s clean vocals aren’t overly poppy or emo, and the whole affair, even with a slightly loose production and percussion reeks of a band that ‘wants it’, rather than going through the motions. The band also shows that they have some balls to as heard to start the otherwise introspective lurching “The Ultimate Power”. These guys have it all.

Watch out for ‘em.