Touch of Evil is an album which without lighting any major fires leaves a lingering and satisfying taste in the ear. Previously released in their own country of Poland last year in limited quantities, Pitch Black Records and the female-fronted Access Denied now re-release it for further afield ears to investigate and enjoy. A strong and energetic mix of classic and heavy metal, the album is an undemanding but overall pleasing burst of energy and accomplished sounds.
Forming in 2003, Access Denied has drawn good acclaim and built a strong fan base in their homeland through shows, early demos, and their debut album of 2009, The Memorial, all igniting solid interest and responses. Their original hard rock led music evolved quickly in the early days into the classic metal sounds which light up Touch of Evil; though there are times the genres still mix to great effect in songs. With an additional video for the track One Night included on the new version, the album can now introduce itself and the band with good honest sounds and energetic power to a fuller audience with its second release.
It begins with an excellent intro, the piece of music a vibrant and stirring atmosphere which without reaching epic proportions is an energetic suggestion of excitement and brewing adventurous encounters ahead. The following Messenger Of Death leaps into view on the banshee cry of vocalist Agnieszka Sulich, her squall unexpected after the premise laid by Intro. The track offers sharp crunchy riffs and expressive keys which guide and wrap respectively the fine sonic invention from the guitars of Jacek Kolankiewicz and Mateusz Krauze. It is a strong track which fails to live up to the stirring winds suggested but still leaves one contented whilst ensuring a keen need to venture further into the album is rife.
The following Suicide Mind raises the bar with its scorched melodic enterprise and slight symphonic whispers behind the charged heavy metal heart of the song. Where Sulich left a few questions with her delivery in the previous track she is controlled and powerful here so that even her sudden diversions to torturous squeals and magnetic snarls only add to her presence. Arguably she is a singer one has to warm to and certainly across Touch Of Evil she gets better and better, which the same can be said of the release itself.
Tracks like the fiery Secret Place, the outstanding Don’t Tell Me, and Violence Of Mind, grab the attention firmly and give extra invention to chew on. The first simply sizzles with energy to keep one engaged whilst the second of the trio is an enthralling confrontation of inciting guitar play, cutting riffs and predatory rhythms. The stick work of drummer Dominik Frukacz, who is now no longer with the band, is immense, his work powerful and controlling with an invention speared intent. He is a major feature throughout every track with this his finest hour, and alongside an equally impressive bassist in Paweł Nejczew they make for a potent combination. The latter song gnaws at the senses from vocals through to the beats whilst engrossing the imagination with elements of pagan metal, the folky swagger dancing with teasing inducements within the abrasive riffs. This and Don’t Tell Me easily stand out as the best tracks and trigger the intent to keep a good watch on the band ahead, both songs the most imaginative and adventurous on the album.
Touch Of Evil is not without flaws, the too often repetitive thrusts of riffs and formula structures in certainly the earlier tracks, as well as a production which lacks spark, preventing a fiercer enthusiasm to the release and a need to constantly return to its ultimately strong sounds. Closing with the skilfully created and played title track, the album undoubtedly gives great promise for the future whilst making a worthy companion for all classic and heavy metal fans with its eventful and pleasing offerings.
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Access-Denied/116110721781098
RingMaster 07/11/2012
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