| Musical Style: Metal/Hard Rock | Produced By: |
| Record Label: Roxx Records | Country Of Origin: Canada |
| Year Released: 2020 | Artist Website: |
| Tracks: 4 | Rating: No Quote |
| Running Time: |
A dab of groove based hard rock, undeniable heavy metal sensibilities, modern inklings hearkening back to the nineties and a penchant for melodic hooks? That’s a great way to get our attention! Hence, the November of 2020 Roxx Records self-titled four-song debut EP from Toronto, Ontario, Canada based Riveting Truth. Riveting from the standpoint of how ‘Jesus Christ is the riveting truth (John 14:6) that can fasten the gospel to our heart, soul and mind’ (quoting the groups press material).
Riveting Truth traces its origin to founding member’s guitarist and vocalist Dave Bentley and bassist Andrew Rudd, whom got their start in the early nineties as part of Legacy. A first place finish at a battle of the bands contest at the 1994 Kingdom Bound Festival (Buffalo, NY) and cameo appearance two years later, led to the Legacy self-titled debut full length from 1996. The album plays a foundation role in the Riveting Truth sound, noting how it incorporates aspects of hard rock, funk and groove all of which make appearance on said debut EP.
EP opens to its most commercial cut in “The Prison”. It reveals a melodic hard rock presence, as guitars remain fixed and firm but with light modern edges and melody elevates to the point a radio friendly allure rises to the surface. Perhaps it is also the light funk formula, but Jet Circus cannot help come to mind. Dennis Cameron (Angelica) guests in handling the extended lead guitar work.
Mid-paced hard rocker “Stand Trial” starts to several seconds of open-air guitar prior to sizzling its distance. Low-end groove realizes off the charts, with song epitomizing the bluesy with its gritty, laid-back tendencies but also derivative of the hook driven as quite the catchy refrain separates. Guest guitarist Rex Carroll (Whitecross, Fierce Heart) is responsible for the blues drenched soloing.
“Skeletons In The Closet” realizes as straight on hard rock with strong doses of funk like groove. Song backs from the snarling air to its predecessor but maintains a forward demeanor nonetheless, with plentiful double kick drum and Bentley’s gruff and raspy voice building upon the blocky framework. Despite the turbulence, quite the booming melody rises to the surface.
Heavy hitting “Give Up The Ghost” closes things. With an almost thrash like ambience, it highlights fast paced spoken word delivery alongside a hefty bass line and refrain repeating songs title in belaboring fashion. Best way to describe things might be a hyper-aggressive Bride backed by a heavier version to Lovewar.
Riveting Truth represents a promising debut EP from a talented duo in Dave Bentley and Andrew Rudd, whom it is good to hear from again subsequent to a several decade absence. I appreciate the musical direction to touch upon metal and hard rock with nuances of low-end groove and moderate modern flavorings. It works in that each of the four songs individually stand-apart. Lone complaint revolves around rudimentary cover art and some production thinness. Still, if this is what Riveting Truth is capable, I look forward to a full-length release.
Review by Andrew Rockwell
Track Listing: “The Prison” (4:47), “Stand Trial” (3:58), “Skeletons In The Closet” (4:15), “Give Up The Ghost” (3:09)
Musicians
Dave Bentley - Lead Vocals & Guitars
Andrew Rudd – Bass
Additional Musicians
Rex Carroll - Guitars
Dennis Cameron - Guitars
