DAGON

Lansing, MI's DAGON is a band that deserves exposure on a worldwide level. It is a shock that one of the premier metal labels hasn't snatched them up by now. Not to take anything away from Bombworks, a label that was smart enough to sign the band; the DAGON boys are just that good. I'm surprised it took me this long to find out about DAGON, the group previously releasing the "Secrets of the Deep" EP and the full-length Bombworks debut "Paranormal Ichthyology" prior to the excellent "Terraphobic". You'll be surprised too once you hear the roaring ocean metal of "Terraphobic".

That's right, "ocean metal." DAGON's ongoing lyrical themes are ocean-centric. Its tales of the deep are engrossing, especially when combined with a superbly written style of metal that fuses elements of IN FLAMES, DARK TRANQUILLITY, THE BLACK DAHLIA MURDER, AMON AMARTH and IRON MAIDEN, to name only the most pronounced reference points. That doesn't even mean that every song is an amalgamation of each of these influences. What it does mean is that "Terraphobic" exemplifies DAGON's prodigious musical talent and skillful songwriting ability. Song after song is jam packed with smokin' hot thrash riffs, Swedish melo-death oomph, and a keen sense of melody that keeps one's attention for the entire 53-minute ride, which is no small feat for a group playing this brand of extreme music.

The songs work so damn well because DAGON makes every note played count and every section contribute to making the song metal to the bone and memorable to the brain. "Cut to the Heart", "Demons in the Dark", "Full Speed Ahead", you name it; each cut comes with the fire breathing riffs, twin leads, and ripping solos of Chris Sharrock and Briant Daniel; perfectly placed/meaty growls and active/full/audible bass playing from Randall Ladiski; and colorful/tight drumming and shriek-vocals from Jordan Batterbee. It could be the MAIDEN-meets-IN-FLAMES gallop of "Into the North" or the triumphant cadences (ala AMON AMARTH) of "To the Drums we Rise", every track giving you something to sink your teeth into. It all culminates with the album-closing, definitive DAGON anthem "Ocean Metal", which even includes some trad/speed-metal elements (particularly the "Halford vocals" of Batterbee). It is what 3 INCHES OF BLOOD might sound like if they played Swede melo-death/thrash.

As if that weren't enough, the production — courtesy of the band and Josh Schroeder – and recording/mixing/mastering at Bay City's Random Awesome Studios is first rate. It is beefy and sharp at once with an emphasis on instrument clarity, while still retaining a bloody raw edge. Heavy, memorable, and downright fun, "Terraphobic" is one of the year's true diamonds in the rough.