Listening to the review queue, it strikes me how few bands write songs with any unifying patterns to them. Most piece together riffs around a form, like those paper cut-outs seamstresses use to make dresses, and when it all seems to work, cut tape and call it a day.

Assault takes a different approach, which is to give each song a theme or spirit, and to select riffs that fit that and then make them work together. A technical speed metal band incorporating melodic death metal riff styles and vocals, this band creates energetic and compelling music.

It lacks the moodiness and need to discover something within, reaching a different place through re-arrangement of its elements, that both annoints and afflicts the European metal bands, but instead aims for a clear notion and its development with an eye for the delight of the listener.

These riffs crackle with spice. You will recognize the patterns, but those are the bare bones, and they show up in surprising ways, fit together on a roller-coaster journey that is both hard-hitting and fun. If you expect 1987 with a few twists and modernizations, this EP provides an enjoyable mixture of escapism and focus.

Tags: assault, Melodic Death Metal, Speed Metal