My first impressions of this group were “Early Gothenburg”, and it was only after some more in depth investigation that I found out that they are in fact Italians. Now I like the Gothenburg sound as much as the next guy, in fact possibly even more than most but I’m a bit disappointed in this mainly because I would have liked to hear something more creative, the fact that the Gothenburg sound has been done to death means that unless you’re something really spectacular you’re going to have some issues getting recognition, this could really cause these guys, who really shouldn’t have any difficulty in finding a label, some trouble in making a name for themselves.    

The general foundation of this work is pretty firm with rock solid riffs and commendable vocal work but somehow it just doesn’t mesh, they use the same formula for every track and thus all the songs sound ridiculously similar with frustratingly tinny rhythm guitars, predictable drumming and occasionally melodic guitar or keyboard interludes, now I’m not saying that the music is bad, in fact quite the opposite, these boys from Italy are nothing if not talented, they know their music and they play it well. It’s the repetitive song writing and metallic sound that really lets them down. 

What I really enjoyed about this piece is the cracking pace of the songs which, after the token melodic intro which seems to be so important these days as a mandatory part of any death metal album, picks you up by the scruff of your neck and throws you into the wall of sound which cuts into you like a sharpened steel fan blade it then proceeds to buffet you around mercilessly only letting you up for air during the melodic sequences which occur at fairly regular intervals throughout the songs. But the fact of the matter is that even with such an exhilarating pace the songs get boring because they all sound the same.

Lyrically the songs are a bit simple but that isn’t such a big deal as this is merely a promo and we all have to start somewhere, take me for example, this is my third review and it’s obviously a shaky piece at best but given time I will improve, much the same as NEVERISE will improve and their lyrics will become more mature and confident.

Tracks to listen for would be the title track “Failed” and “Into The Neverwhere”. “Failed” opens with one of the most technical guitar pieces I’ve heard in a good while and actually sounds a bit different to the rest of the songs with more melody and less tinny overtones. And I enjoy “Into The Neverwhere” mainly because of the hella cool riffs and solos throughout it…hey, it’s the truth.

To sum this up I would say while Failed is not a great EP I definitely think that NEVERISE have potential and while this is not my kind of thing even I can see that they have talent and with a bit of refining they could very well be the next big thing.

My advice, If you like early DARK TRANQUILLITY, say “Skydancer” era then this could well be something for you but if you prefer things to be a bit less raw a bit more polished then perhaps wait for them to release a full length album which, judging by the reception they’re getting from the Metal scene right now, shouldn’t be too far away.

(Online September 1, 2007)