Metal Underground.com

Another Canadian act rising out of obscurity to storm the metal scene, Edge of Attack brings out both the old and the new for a broad appeal across the metal genres. The group may be a fresh face in the musical world, but it’s already becoming a recognizable one, building up a good deal of buzz even before the release of this debut self-titled album.

“Edge of Attack” is a multi-pronged effort that assaults from two or three different directions at once. The music could be described as either “thrash” or “power metal,” and both descriptions would be technically correct. Although not a major driving force for most of the album, several of the tracks do have their share of symphonic elements as well. This is a group that likes to mix it up in a variety of ways, including the lineup, as Edge of Attack is one of the few metal bands to feature multiple members of both genders among its ranks.

Besides the thrash-based guitar work, one of the album’s trademarks is the strong female vocal performance. The singing is unquestionably more melodic than harsh, but it doesn’t cross over into an operatic or Gothic sound. While mostly on the clean end, there are a few tracks that bring out some growling, most noticeably “The Damned.” Also spicing up the vocal delivery is “Forever,” a poignant track that unexpectedly features an upbeat group choir. The various sounds are rounded out by several guest appearances, including Ryan Bovaird of Hallows Die and Pellek from Damnation Angels.

Edge of Attack’s debut album consists of genuinely fist-pumping material that keeps the energy level up, varies the sound between tracks, and offers an interesting take on both thrash and power metal. While there’s still room for growth and expansion here, the band’s debut album makes a clear mark on the scene, and earmarks Edge of Attack as an emerging group to keep an eye on.