ODESSA – Carry The Weight Music Reviews by Rob W - February 25, 20130 ODESSA are a riff based groove washed metal outfit from the UK. Some might describe it as ‘metal core’: I personally don’t really like genre names – it’s either good or it’s shit as far as I’m concerned. That said, CARRY THE WEIGHT falls firmly in the former category, with big choruses and even bigger guitars. None more so is this true than with the second track BREAKING POINT, an almighty neck breaker of a track, with contrasting soaring melodic vocal lines – it is one of the best tracks on the album. The driving riff of ANYWHERE BUT HERE is unrelenting, at times peeling away to a brutally weighted reminder of how music should be done. A harmonious chorus that sits in the eye of a ballsy storm of riffage from Conor O’Rourke and Jamie Wrighton pummels their musical message across. ANIMOSITY is a blistering track with driving guitars, beastly drums and the apparent intention to desolate the ears. Simon Hutchings sits at the back keeping the whole thing pushing, punching and pounding forward. Finishing in a mere 2.54 minutes, it is the shortest track on the album, which still manages to maintain a depraved hardcore feel. Longer than its previous track but by no means less abusive, ON THE OUTSIDE showcases vocalist Richard John Lardner screaming his anger to bring in a beastly break down. This passionate aggression is a theme that is echoed throughout the album. ODESSA know what it takes to write music that stirs the primal anger in people. They are a band with the great ability to write songs with melody and thought, as well as brutality, a sound I have come to love from this current wave of British metal. They will be on tour from the end of this month, culminating in an appearance at GhostFest at the end of June. Feb 28 – Kiwi’s – Neath, United Kingdom Mar 01 – The Vault w/ Despite My Deepest Fear Rugby, United Kingdom Mar 02 – Satans Hollow w/ Our Imbalance Manchester, United Kingdom Mar 06 The Young and Bitter tour 2013 w/Odessa w/ No Consequence London, United Kingdom Mar 07 – The Young and Bitter tour 2013 w/Odessa w/ No Consequence Derby, United Kingdom Mar 08 – The Young and Bitter tour 2013 w/Odessa w/ No Consequence Mansfield, United Kingdom Mar 09 – Kingston Peel Kingston, United Kingdom May 02 – Beercat Arms Canterbury, United Kingdom May 03 – Face Bar Reading, United Kingdom May 04 – Underground Stoke, United Kingdom Jun 08 – The Hobbit Southampton, United Kingdom Jun 30 – Ghostfest Leeds, United Kingdom Jim