Hailing from Denver, CO, Ploy For Extinction are an enigma to me. I can often pin point a band’s sound, but I am sort of at a loss on this one. The band’s EP, From Within brings to the table a sound that is very modern in nature which I can best describe as post-thrash, groove metal, death metal with a dash of synthetic industrial overtones. Rest assured though AMR readers, despite my describing Ploy For Extinction as post-thrash, this is no Machine Head (any avid readers will know what we think of MH). In fact, usually I’d say post-thrash is one of the most benign and boring sub-genres in metal, but From Within is definitely something that has my attention.

First off, I have to mention the vocals of Matt Mainey, while not especially original, Matt’s gutteral delivery is very professional and well done. It’s relatively rare when I hear gutterals from a new band that don’t consist entirely of pig squeals and otherwise deathcore crapola. I won’t go as far as to say that Matt’s vocals will propel them into superstardom like metal’s version of Journey or something, but it definitely gives the band notice from random assholes like myself.

As far as the music goes, I can’t say there was a “wow” factor anywhere on this four song EP, but “Faceless Suffering” and “The Escape” are stand out tracks with a basic, but catchy thrash formula. I prefer “Faceless Suffering” because it’s laced with melody and has some moments of groove that sort of remind me of stoner metal/rock; this is definitely their most accomplished piece on the album, with a consistent level of technicality and a production value that is better than the other tracks. Every song has some stand out moments, but the other three songs are under-produced and lack an organic feel to them as if the tunes have been played around with too much on a computer.

While I was not overly impressed with this release, I see loads of potential. I think once the production kinks are worked out, and a full album is completed, I can definitely foresee a very listenable and enjoyable Ploy For Extinction with much room to grow into a force to be reckoned with in the Mid West and perhaps even nationally.

NOT BAD

Top Tracks: Faceless Suffering

Similar Artists: Lamb of God, Devildriver, 5 Finger Death Punch, Godflesh

1. From Within
2. The People’s Plague
3. Faceless Suffering
4. The Escape

Matt Mainey – Vocals
Matt Fagan – Guitar
Mike Tuley – Drums
Andrew Pettitt – Bass

Self Released

http://www.myspace.com/ployforextinction

Review by CODY