Eraser-A Deal with the Devil

With a healthy dose of 90’s groove metal influences (as well as some of the industrial and electronic elements their homeland has become famous for, which includes an at least curious dubstep bridge breakdown) to vary up their At the Gates-esque melodic death metal, German six-piece Eraser have burst out of the gate with a brilliantly balanced and head-turning independent debut album that I’m sure will land them on a label in no time. Boasting that sharp, fire-blackened death metal melody that both hooks you in and ties you to the alter it’s about to sacrifice you upon, A Deal with the Devil grooves so infectiously that you’ll find yourself nodding your head in rhythm as it sets the wood you’re strapped to ablaze. I think the band have some ironing out to do when it comes to a sound they want to cultivate, but they’ve laid a fine groundwork in what they’re capable of on this debut here, which is certainly an enthusiastic one that will catch you off your guard, well done.

7/10