Into the Storm's sprawling debut full-length, Amidst a Sea of Chaos, is the kind of album that knocks upon the door of a whole swamp of great, beastly influences. There's Neurosis's throbbing lurch; Pelican's distinct, traveling guitar lines; and even some metal moments that get slightly tech-y or death-y ("I'm Not Your Buddy Guy!"). But there's liberal hardcore influence here as well, present in frontman Oliver Reeves' hoarse growl and Matt Jahn's dirty guitar tone. Granted, a lot of newer bands have been trying this sound too, like Gray Ghost, Irepress and Balboa, but there's something unconditionally compact and fresh about what Into the Storm do.

The willingness to mix it up is likely what keeps this album interesting. "Sometimes, Maybe, I Like to Go to the Park and Look at Swans" has an early moment where the band take a temper tantrum with their instruments, getting all spazzy and searing, only to let the song suddenly transition into a brooding prowl that picks up carefully with subtle Gregorian chants and some more prominent transmission-like chatter. The whole thing tops out at just over seven minutes long. This ambition might lead them astray once in a while, though, as the layered shouts and other barely distinguishable elements in a sudden break for "High Fructose Corn Magic" are a bit much. Closer "Excalibur III" is on the positive side of this, with a bluesy Baroness sense thoroughly pervading it.

Even when Into the Storm are operating at a relatively straightforward clip, though, like with the smokey, grainy pummel of "Sleeping Through the Thunder," it's compelling, especially with the track's closing, noisier Cave In-esque vibes. It helps that Reeves has a bit of variety to his vocals, going from throaty, almost spoken-word to gravelly shouts and more comprehensible yells.

I'd be lying if I said Amidst a Sea of Chaos truly blows me away front to back, but there's a ton of promise contained within this album. There's something about the production muffling the band's talented dynamics just a bit, and them never quite finding the maximum effect lying in a buildup-and-explode despite so many noble attempts. You'd do well to check this out, though (it is free), and keep an eye on them in the near future.

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Amidst a Sea of Chaos

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Tearing Apart Space and Time
Gnaw on Their Skulls
Sometimes, Maybe, I Like to Go to the Park and Look at Swans
High Fructose Corn Magic
Sleeping Through the Thunder