EDGE OF ATTACK – Edge Of Attack

Edge Of Attack is an old-school Power and Thrash band hailing from Alberta, Canada. The intensity and veracity surrounding each track is overwhelming on this, their debut self-titled album. Using the classic formula of a twin guitar Power Metal assault, Edge of Attack uses high energy, precise riffs to get their point across to the listener.

Edge Of Attack is led by singer Roxanne Gordey. Her straight forward approach provides the catalyst for strength surrounding the compositions. Gordey may not be the most dynamic Power Metal singer, but she provides a spirit and momentum, which can be built around the vigor of the heavy and essential guitar riffs.

What gives Edge Of Attack the “edge” is the infectious compositions throughout the entire album. Some of the tracks may initially come off as being brash and aggressive; one example being the opening song “In Hell” featuring some hard core Thrash-like pulsating riffs. However, by peeling off that surface layer of Metalcore, a rhythmic and harmonious melody is uncovered. “In Hell” may be the heaviest song on the album, with “The Damned” coming in a close second, featuring the guest vocal assistance of Ryan Bovaird from the Canadian Death Metal band Hallows Die.

Along with Bovaird, there are some other notable guest vocalists making appearances on Edge Of Attack. Italian singer Ivan Gianinni makes a very theatrical appearance on “Demon (Of The Northern Seas).” The Norwegian singer Pellek from the band Damnation Angels makes a fiery performance on “Set The World Aflame.” All of these appearances play a considerably helpful role in the enhancement of Gordey’s sometimes bland vocal ability. What Gordey lacks in passion and dramatic exaggeration is made up by the singing guests.

The highlights from Edge Of Attack clearly revolve around the guitar mastery of Jurekk Whipple. It is assumed that Whipple plays all the guitars on the album, as rhythm guitarist Dallas Dyck joined the band after the recording was completed, according to the band’s Website. All of the compositions are based around Whipple’s boisterous and animated guitar work. Whipple’s ability to play many different styles of Shred, Thrash, Power, and even Neo-Classical are all essential to the success of the album.

From a compositional standpoint, all of the tracks on Edge Of Attack are very well written. There is a nice mix of Melodic and Classic Power Metal along with a few aggressive and rowdy songs. As stated before, Gordey’s inability to produce the amount of vocal fervor required to take these songs to the next level ends up being a pretty serious deficiency. Other than her high-pitched screams at the end of “In Hell”, her vocals fall flat in most cases.

Edge Of Attack possesses many ingredients to make them a highly successful group. There are many classic European Power Metal undertones that most fans will enjoy. The vocals may be weak, but the guitars are extraordinary, and the songs are classic.