They're no angels!

Seraphim - 'Heights of Oblivion' SERAPHIM are four young lads from Lancaster whose latest album 'Heights of Oblivion' is nu-metal with a twist. They take influence from everybody under the sun and boy, do they sound angry. The album has energy, throbbing baselines and although in my view the vocals lack strength on some tracks, the general feeling is one of intelligence, talent and professionalism. All the songs are written by Seraphim, who on the CD inlay thank their parents, their families and beer for their inspiration and support. Tracks such as Another Day and Chinese Food Mind Games (Chop Suey?) contain harmonies US nu-metal favourites System of a Down would be proud of. They cleverly mix quiet (if metal can be quiet) sections of the track with high voltage guitar and rap. 'Stories' brought back scary memories of primary school 'carpet time' with an authoritative female voice saying 'hush now children, fingers on lips' before launching into a lyrically explicit rap and chorus that is very Linkin Park meets Limp Bizkit. 'Echoblast' could easily be a single which one would expect to hear on Kerrang Music TV on Sky- an alternative mix of melody, rap metal and techno which works surprisingly well. 'Sonnet' begins with a melody very reminiscent of 'Pimpf' by Depeche Mode (well done lads!) and is lyrically a passionate cry to unrequited love. 'Oblivion High Trance Mix' is just what it says, and with its female vocals  could be an Ibiza dance floor filler- believe it or not. A pleasant break from the angry shouting of some of the previous tracks. Overall, if you like Static X, Marilyn Manson, System of a Down etc then give this a listen and become a Seraphimette. 8/10. 'Heights of Oblivion' is in all good record shops now. Catch Seraphim live at Lancaster Leisure Park's (Hornsea Pottery) 'Dog-on-a-String' night this Saturday (August 3) from around 9PM.