This CD is a collection of demo tracks from this Dallas band's three years, plus a few new ones recently recorded. Slow to mid-tempo, hardcore, groove metal is the name of the game here, the band citing influences like Pantera, Corrosion of Conformity, Godfear, and Tool. They've got a long way to go before they're on the same level as any of those guys, but I can hear the similarities on a few songs.
The three current members definitely have talent, though, hammering out some cool riffs and rhythms. Sometimes they shoot straight, and sometimes they stutter stop-and-go, often downshifting into sludgy grunge metal to lay a thick base for the vocals. One part of "Broken" sounds dangerously close to Deliverance's "What A Joke." The songs aren't all that imaginative, and the production/packaging remains demo-quality, but Clearview has obvious potential. Vocalist Danny (also bassist) is the band's secret weapon, with deep, attitude-filled vocals that are better than those of many major label bands. Most often, he sounds a bit like CoC's Pepper Keenan. He layers his vocals some in the recording to provide eerie harmonic effects. On "2000 A.D.," he bellows with a really low, powerful vocal: "Oh Holy Father, my loving Savior." That part just kills.
All of the lyrics have the same basic theme--being saved from bad circumstances by the love of Christ. Danny's delivery keeps them from sounding corny like they might coming from a lesser throat, though.
If you're used to indie production, I recommend Clearview. They're somewhat unique in the Christian scene, and once they get better production and move beyond their influences to find their own sound, they'll be a band about which you can be proud to say "I knew them back when...."
Other coverage for this album
HM Magazine #72Reviewed by Doug Van PeltAhh...more metal! Anyone that saw Pantera dominate and literally control the Ozzfest crowds last year know the power of the groove. Clearview takes this Pantera groove metal approach and lays it down pretty mean. While the production sounds a bit hollow in places, the power and quality of the songs make up for it. If I have anything to do with it, these guys will be on a Pick Of The Litter album…
