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Vancouver's Titans Eve play melodic thrash metal with a Sabbath-like heaviness in the vein of Mastodon, Bison B.C. and Barn Burner. Not surprising, considering two of the three aforementioned bands are from Canada as well.

On their full-length debut concept CD, The Divine Equal, brothers Brian (guitar/lead vocals) and Kyle Gamblin (guitars/backing vocals), along with Jesse Hord (bass) and Casey Ory (drums), have crafted a unique piece of melodic thrash metal based on the theme from John Milton's 17th century poem Paradise Lost  and the book of Genesis.

There's plenty of razor sharp riffs, memorable guitar solos, thunderous drums and catchy sing-along gang chant choruses that really pack a punch. Ory's drum tone, especially when he executes his tom fills, along with the Gamblin's heavy riffs, create a ferocious wall of sound.

After the melodic instrumental guitar intro of "Mourning Star," "Judgement" starts with a slow, crushing riff, which is then followed by a furious-paced riff and thunderous double bass pummeling. Right away, the rhythm is catchy, and the lead guitar work is technical. Brian's gruff vocals fits the heavy groove of the music. I wouldn't say he's the most melodic singer, but for the most part, it works. There's a great melodic breakdown and a killer solo toward the end. "Becoming the Demon" and "Tides of Doom" continue the fast-paced action combined with catchy and melodic-layered choruses.

Vocally, there's not a lot of diversity or melody to Brian Gamblin's harsh bark, but the backing vocals of his brother Kyle create some good harmonies together. Toward the end of the CD, some of the 11 tracks’ song structures seem to sound a bit similar. But overall, The Divine Equal is an impressive debut - full of grit and might.

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