Tombs
The Mayans believed that the world would end in 2012, Arcs of Red are only a year early in serenading the Apocalypse then. Lead track 'Tombs' just about hangs on for dear life amidst frenzied drumming and before relenting to determined, lead laden riffs. Do not say you have not been warned, even if the chorus consists of a line that baits all before it, “I’ve just summoned the human race” until the inherent recklessness takes over again. Crucial to the songs success is lead singer Paul Colto’s controlled vocal aggression, inevitably leading to promising comparisons with Iron Maidens Bruce Dickinson.
Second track 'Love Comes' is centred around an immediate chugging bassline and thus begins with a sinister malevolence. Realising it cannot keep the same gut wrenching tempo, the song quickly changes tack and the experience becomes a little strange. If the screeching guitar does not grab your attention then the words fervently spouting from Colto will. Fantastical lyrics mention Robin Hood, treasure chests, dragons and pirates which give the track an impish quality. Apocalyptic rearing riffs and fanciful lyrics all in just a 2 track demo CD, Lord only knows what a full album from Arcs of Red would contain.