Ink - Black Water Reign (Riot Entertainment) - Back
Ink came together in 2006 and have been touring & recording nonstop ever since, all whilst building up a healthy fan base here in Australia. Ink are made up of 3 ex-members of Aussie industrial rockers JERK (John, Charles & Leeno) who had a too short, but very successful career here in Australia. Accomplished Sydney guitarist Marcii and ex-Seggression drummer Red make up the rest of this phenomenal 5 piece.

Ink released an EP in 2007 called “Lead...or Follow” to rave reviews and it also showed what an awesome talent this band were fastly becoming. Come November 2008 and now we have a new mini album called “Black Water Reign” which contains 7 unique rock tracks that only this kick ass band could put together. I like the idea behind the mini album format - record 7 great songs and leave out filler tracks such as boring instrumental tracks and the ever popular overdubbed bonus live track.

The first track is a furious fast paced track called “Any Other Day” which shows off the vocal talent of Ink’s vocalist John. I’m sure this track will become a firm favorite when played live. “My World” in my opinion is a radio friendly slow tempo rocker that should attract the band some new fans given the chance if played on mainstream radio. The third track “Lead or...Follow” is a revamped classic from their debut EP which kicks serious ass and is fan favorite live. “The Oldest Trick” starts off with a haunting bass line from veteran bassist Leeno; it then kicks into a melodic rock monster. Ink knows how to use dynamics when it comes to song writing, as this track confirms. “Cry For Love” is an awesome cover of an Iggy Pop classic; it’s a fast paced rocker with a catchy chorus and has some flashy guitar work courtesy of guitar wizard Charles Cilia. “Two Minutes Hate” is the most measured track on “Black Water Reign”, it has a laid back feel and with John’s soulful vocal croak, he proves what a gifted singer he is to this band. The last track, “The High Road” is my favorite song on this mini album, with its vocal hooks, guitar riffs, awesome lead playing and an absolute great song arrangement - this song shows Ink at their best.

“Black Water Reign” is a superbly crafted rock monster!

Any Other Day
My World
Lead or Follow
The Oldest Trick
Cry For Love
Two Minutes Hate
The High Road

Rating:
90

Reviewed By: Cameron Edney - http://www.myspace.com/insideout666ints