Maroon - The Cold Heart of the Sun (Century Media Records) - Back
Every once in a while a CD crosses your path that brings a big fat grin to your face. Germany’s ‘Maroon’ (Terrible name) has just done that with there new album ’The Cold Heart Of The Sun’. It’s a balls to the wall full on metalcore record that brings together old and new styles of metal. They are probably the hardest working band that has emerged from the metal scene in quite some time. This band hasn’t taken a break in the last four years, releasing four full-length records and touring the world nonstop.

Their new record picks up from where ’When world’s collide’ left off, but with some distinct differences. Firstly, the guitars sound very similar to old school "Morbid Angel". At first, I thought Trey Azagthoth was playing guitar on this record, which only gave me a heighten respect for the Sebastian duo. Secondly, vocalist Andre Moraweck has brought his vocals to a new level of intensity and brutality. Last, but certainly not least, new co-producer Alexander Dietz has given this record a fuller, clearer sound that I think was maybe a little lacking from their previous releases.

Stand out tracks include ’Steelbath your Heart’ that has a great mosh bit that will make you stand up & follow your heart. Also ’Black Halo!’, ’For Those Unseen’ and ’The Iron Curtain’ are just full of heavy catch laden hooks and good ole’ German crunching brutality.

Make sure to grab a copy of the album in it’s strictly limited edition that comes in a Digipak and is including a bonus-DVD featuring the ’Making Of The Cold Heart In The Sun’ and see some fine examples of Maroon’s intense live performances. A real joy to listen too!

Rating: 80

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