Thurkills Vision is an alternative metal band hailing from Lowell, Massachusetts. Deriving their name from an old religious tale dating back to the Middle Ages, they formed in late 2005 as former guitarist Matt Kobrenski began playing with drummer; Dave Malave. In realizing the instant chemistry between them, the two went on to search out musicians for the other typical spots to be filled in a band. Not having to look very far outside of their social circles, Kobrenski recruited longtime friend, Eric Williams on guitar alongside himself, while Malave completed the ranks with former bandmates, Yamil Melendez, and Bobby Rourke; on vocals and bass, respectively. They soon released one demo in early 2006, but that was a bygone age etched in the pages of yesterday...
Today the power assault that is Thurkill's Vision consists of
Yamil Melendez: vocals
David Malave: drums
Robert "Bobcat" Rourke: guitar
Eric Williams: guitar
Matt Frotten: bass
Recently released on March 11th, their debut EP, For the Sleeping packs a blow to the chest that would awake most unsuspecting sleepers, with a shortness of breath. Easily being compared to big acts such as; All That Remains, Five Finger Death Punch, and Shadows Fall. With all the attention they have been garnering, both locally, and state-wide. It would be surprising if they were not offered a major record deal before the next release is conceived. But in spite of their big time potential, the group has a rare heart in its music. One that flows with ease as the drumming of David Malave, pounds away at your senses, much like the racing heartbeat of the hunted. Brought into context by the guitar playing of Williams, and Rourke, comfortably embracing the smooth, soaring, cleans and often enraged roars of Malendez.
Opening up with a track, rewritten both musically and lyrically from their 2006 demo, “My Theory” seems more like it should have the Roman numeral of “II” following it, to those who have become accustomed to the demo version of the track. The differences are great in areas, and the only lyric remaining from the original is the faith empowered statement “This is my theory, the one, the only thing that could free me! This is my theory, the one thing that could kill me!” but differences aside, it is a very enjoyable rewrite, and a cool comparison for owners of the demo.
- 4.0/5.0
Following into the next track, “Project Grudge” enters in with a pace of drumming that could easily have readied you for the oncoming battle, but things soon mellow out with Malendez’s voice painting pictures of a deceptive nation where the people have willingly become part of the lie in return for the comforts of an empty existence. Hmm… sounds familiar, I wonder where I could’ve heard that from?
All in all, this track is one of my favorites on this release, and I strongly recommend it.
- 4.5/5.0
A heavier toned; “Simple Day” draws the listener in with seemingly thrash metal influenced riffs, and a strong-minded criticism more present in mood, then heard in previous songs. While skillfully utilizing their trademark of maintaining much more melody in their heavier songs then the average metal act, they manage to keep your attention glued with a catchy, not too saturated chorus.
- 3.5/5.0
Considerably the heaviest track on the EP; “Principal of Cause” retains much of the feel introduced in the beginning of “Project Grudge”, and sports a lyrical theme true to the phrase “what comes around, goes around”, the content of which, brings to mind the plot of James O'Barr’s The Crow. Now, the thought seems unlikely. But if the inspiration came from that specific source, then I give Mr. Malendez much praise.
- 4.0/5.0
Now, the finale is a track I consider to be the highlight of the album. “Mirrors Truth” is the truest example of how captivating the music of Thurkills Vision can really get. With the sorrowful sound of the guitar falling into perfect harmony with the beginning verse “2 AM, my soul's in a bottle, caged like an animal. Have I begun to let go?, no I don't want to let go. A shiny glass, an image of my old ghost, a love that I could see. But I'm becoming so numb, so sick and tired of what's wrong” in which Malendez lets go of all convictions, and lets his pained emotion shine through to the surface. A tale of a failing relationship between two damaged individuals; where each proceeds to inflict unintentional emotional pain unto one another. But a sort of hopeful depression flows constant throughout the song. The final lines “Mirror, mirror, on the wall! Mirror, mirror, shame the fall!” being the ones to put this ordeal to rest.
- 5.0/5.0
In the end I feel this debut performed how it was meant to, and was overall a very well put together release to showcase what they are capable of. And with not a single bad track in the batch, it’s a nice appetizer for the things to come. Thurkills Vision are definitely of the most gifted bands I’ve come across; whose strong, elegant, incredibly beautiful sound has given me that feeling of intense, overflowing emotion as it penetrates my ear canals. Make sure you keep a real close eye out for these guys as they carry the wind at their backs, and bring with them a storm that could very well tear through the foundations of your city.
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