I don't know much about Veil of Maya other than the fact that I'm guessing they named themselves after the first track on the almighty Cynic's "Focus", and I believe "All Things Set Aside" (on Corrosive Recordings) is their first proper release. Aside from occasionally significant levels of technicality, there's really no similarity to Cynic here, and for the most part I'd classify this material as relatively caustic and borderline chaotic death metalcore. That being said, of course portions of the release tend to lean towards a disjointed songwriting approach that I'm not particularly fond of, but they tear through so many different riffing styles that it's hard to deny the intrigue of the finer moments. Yes, somewhat unfortunately the bulk of the disc is made up of fairly commonplace examples of scorching tremolo picking and brutal breakdown passages beneath vocals that constantly jump from low growls to sneering screams. However, on the other hand there are some pretty damn impressive lead bursts from time to time, not to mention some downright awesome little spurts of quick melody. I'd also cite some cool mangled dissonance and Meshuggah-esque rhythmic tendencies as well (complete with some jazzy drum work that's quite nice), and all of these more interesting elements point to a higher level of capability from Veil of Maya – one that comes across both more powerfully and more creatively (see the instrumental "The Uprising" below). So, in the end, this is what I would in some ways refer to as a merely enjoyable outing, but one that provides insight into the fact that these guys could very well compose some truly impressive compositions as things progress. I, for one, have the ol' fingers crossed for the future!

Veil of Maya "The Uprising"
Veil of Maya "All Things Set Aside"

Make the grab if frenzied shredding gets your blood boiling:

@ Corrosive Recordings
@ Interpunk

Also new from Corrosive Recordings, and in some ways similar to Veil of Maya, is the second full-length from Harlots – aptly titled "This is the Second Death". I refer to this as "in some ways similar to Veil of Maya" mainly because there's a dominant air of harsh and chaotic metalcore-ish elements at hand that's not exactly my thing, but I can listen to it, and there are some really impressive bright spots that make me wonder what the band might be able to come up with in the future. Aside from the fact that I'm generally hard to please when it comes to the more abrasive and frenzied end of the spectrum, I have to confess that I think a part of the reason I've remained largely undecided on this album is that I'm not too into the recording – in large part due to the fact that portions of the drum tones sound programmed, which annoys the hell out of me. But ignoring all that, I do dig the fact that these guys are implementing some strange electronic noise textures into areas of their compositions rather well, and when they give the chaotic stuff a rest in favor of slower, dingier rhythms and subtly melodic undercurrents I'm definitely paying attention (check out "Those Days Seem Several Hundred Years Ago"). The few areas where fierce screams give way to a strained form of monotone singing are also quite curious, so… I don't know, it's weird… I'm not a big fan of a lot of this stuff, but then they go and hit the nail right on the head and bring me back into it. Who knows!?

Harlots "Those Days Seem Several Hundred Years Ago"
Harlots "These Are the Paths That We Choose"

It's also worth mentioning that Harlots' lineup includes ex-members of Today is the Day, Dead to Fall, and Eyes Upon Separation, though personally I've never been a fan of any of those acts. But… tons of people seem to be, so buy the album for yourself if that's the case:

@ Corrosive Recordings
@ Interpunk