:: Paindivision - One Path

Paindivision

Sydney heavy rockers Paindivision are back with their second full-length effort ‘One Path’ after spending a year on the road in support of their highly acclaimed debut self-titled effort. Having parted with keyboardist Ray Martens prior to hitting the studio, the four piece act have decided to go for a more guitar orientated approach and heavier sound on ‘One Path’, and it’s a natural sound that certainly fits the band. The opening ‘The Gates Of Ashen Wake’ (Half Japanese spoken word/half instrumental) is a suitably scene setting effort that provides the album with a nice lead up to the main event, with the follow on track ‘Flames Of The Reaper’ delivering on every promise the build up hinted at. The fast paced guitars, meaty riffs, thumping groove and Howe’s ravaged rock ‘n’ roll vocals embodies everything that is loud heavy thrashing rock, and everything that Paindivision stand for. ‘Face It’ is certainly no letdown with its fast pacing and catchy riffs, while ‘Beyond The Pain’ instantly stands out as an album favourite with its shredding solo breaks and distinctive thrash like choruses.

Shades of The Almighty can be heard in the mid-paced rocker ‘Nightmare’ and the slower and sleazier grooved ‘Wasting Life’, while the title track ‘One Path’ and ‘Of Flame And Fury’ show a slight broadening of sound for the band, with Howe in particular experimenting more in clean vocal lines. As per usual, the band has included a cover on ‘One Path’. This time around, the band has decided to cover Accept’s 1984 classic ‘Balls To The Wall’. Needless to say, the band nails the song perfectly, with Howe putting in a pretty convincing vocal performance. Finishing up the album is the instrumental ‘The Victory March’, where Marshall takes on the lead role with some masterfully executed melodic lead work. As great as their self-titled release was, Paindivision have definitely taken things to a whole new level on ‘One Path’, without losing any of their original identity. If you’re after some old school heavy rock, don’t overlook Paindivision and their latest effort ‘One Path’.