By Greg Maki
If you like your metal melodic with a bit of a modern, technological sheen and a whole lot of rebellious swagger, then let me direct you to Germany’s League of Distortion, the brainchild of vocalist Anna Brunner (Exit Eden) and guitarist Jim Müller (Kissin’ Dynamite). On the band’s self-titled debut, you can hear elements of Halestorm, In This Moment and Amaranthe across the 10 songs, but there’s enough attitude here that the sound never comes across as derivative.
Müller’s distorted guitar leads the instrumental attack, while Brunner’s vocals remain the focus throughout. Though she might not have the range of a Lzzy Hale—few do, to be fair—she makes up for it with conviction, resulting in empowering, anthemic tracks such as “I’m a Bitch,” “Rebel by Choice,” “The Bitter End” and “Do You Really Think I Fuckin’ Care.” She seemingly lays her soul completely bare on the semi-ballad “Sin,” undoubtedly the record’s most powerful moment.
While the album could use a little more variety in the sounds employed from song to song, there isn’t an outright clunker among the bunch, and it’s packed with catchy hooks and riffs. Overall, it’s a solid introduction to a band with loads of potential.
Rating: 8/10
Napalm Records – November 25, 2022
LINKS:
But “League of Distortion”
www.facebook.com/leagueofdistortion
www.instagram.com/leagueofdistortion
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