SORVARA – The Zero (EP)

Sorvara is an American independent Thrash Metal band based out of Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Their sound is fierce and brutal with some slight melodic undertones. These four up-and-coming very talented musicians have been making a name for themselves, playing frequent shows in Chicago and throughout the Midwest. They have independently released a very exciting three song EP with anticipation of a full length album release coming soon.

Sorvara was formed in 2009 with founding members Austin Smith (vocals) and Skea Breitbach (guitar). Influenced by Hardcore Thrash bands such as Opeth, Lamb Of God, and Dimmu Borgir, they have been able to harness those sounds and create something original and unique they can call their own. The band achieved completeness when they added drummer John Eiben and guitarist Kasey Hempstead in 2010.

The main ingredient to Sorvara’s sound is vocalist and bassist Austin Smith. His larger than life stage presence comes through abundantly in the music. His vocal style is similar to Annihilator’s Dave Padden — he has the ability to intensely scream with an abrasive rage, and then switch into a smooth well-rounded harmony. Smith’s powerful vocals along with the violent shredding of guitarists Breitbach and Hempstead, and the superb drumming of Eiben, make this very young band sound like seasoned veterans.

The EP opens with “Cluster Omega”, a very fast-paced and head-pounding song featuring a variety of heavy riffs, which moves with abrupt passion. The next track, “The Zero,” brings forth a steady and forceful riff that builds up throughout the entire track, only to close with a gloomy finish with sound effects that segue into the final track “Hank”. “Hank” is arguably the heaviest track, which opens with a melancholy bass intro and immediately transforms to powerful, violent aggression. Aggression is certainly an adequate euphemism for this style of music, and Sorvara is able to carry out plenty of it.

Overall, Sorvara has presented some extremely promising material with this EP. The only thing these songs lack are some good shredding guitar solos, as well as a little more depth and complexity in the songwriting. However, as far as Hardcore Thrash or Death Metal goes, these guys easily compare with the best of them, and the future certainly looks bright.