Music: UIGG: To Punish and Enslave

Our Take

Crossover bands have always been around in the metal world, but lately groups have started to pop up that pulled influence from just about every sub-branch of the heavy metal world. One of the latest is Canada’s UIGG, who recently released their debut To Punish and Enslave. This release offers a mix of death metal, black metal, thrash and even a little stoner rock, which is definitely one hell of a mix. But despite some occasionally questionable vocals UIGG is off to a great start and has proven that they can mix all of these styles with relative ease.

To Punish and Enslave primarily features very heavy growling and raspy screaming that is similar to many of the black metal bands out there. But throughout the course of the album, UIGG also attempts to throw in a few other vocal styles as well. And while they should certainly be applauded for trying something different, some of the band’s experiments don’t always work out. On a few of the songs one of the members throws in a very raspy and high pitched scream that he holds for very long periods of times, and while this is cool the first time it becomes a little grating when it happens again. This could potentially turn some listeners off, and if UIGG wants to continue this in the future then their vocalist will need just a little bit more practice.

While initially it seems as though UIGG is going to be another black/thrash metal band, they quickly showcase plenty of other influences. Whether it is more melodically oriented stoner rock or fast paced thrash, there is always something new to discover on To Punish and Enslave. And while this group isn’t the only one who has ever attempted this, they are one of the few who are able to move between so many styles in the course of an album (or at times, even one song) and seamlessly integrate all of the elements. This definitely helps UIGG to stand out from the pack, and showcases that the instrumentalists have a lot more ideas than one might expect.

The vocals still need a little bit of work, but as long as listeners can overlook this fact then they will find that UIGG has some very impressive instrumentals and a mix of styles that is more varied than most. To Punish and Enslave definitely has noteworthy moments and this group has also given themselves plenty of room to grow, so it seems likely that these guys will keep getting better and better as they move forward. But now would still be a great time to get into their music, as what UIGG has to offer now is still better than most newcomers to the metal genre.

http://www.diminishedfifthrecords.com

Chris Dahlberg
February 02, 2009