Runescarred’s first full-length release, The Distant Infinite, is a raucous affair. While the band has only been around since 2017, it is peopled by veteran metalers Ven Scott (vocals) and Tim Driscoll (guitar) of Dead Earth Politics fame. Rounding out the lineup is Skunk Manhattan (A Good Rogering) on guitar, Payton Holekamp (Southern Front) on drums, and Josh Robins handling the bass.

The vocals on The Distant Infinite sound a bit coarser overall than on the band’s first release, We Are. On the new one, songs like “Hexit” are, vocally, more like Megadeth and less like the Savatage sound of the earlier EP. The guitar breaks are more cut loose here, too, wilder with a high level of ravaging. “Poison Oasis,” Mammoth,” and “Inviting Rivers” are the singles released so far. Of these three, “Inviting Rivers” gives you the best idea of the what the album sounds like overall – fast guitars, rapid-fire percussion, and strong vocalizations. The other two a great songs, too, just a little different, with “Poison Oasis” pushing on the theatrical and “Mammoth” inserting an occasional melodic episode. My favorite track on the album is “Twisting Flesh.” It has a complex construction with variegated vocals and a beautiful, lyrical lead break five minutes end. The song stands out on this album the way “Beyond the Realms of Death” does on Stained Glass – it fits in perfectly with the others and at the same time has a uniqueness that heralds a grand future for the band. This solid release sets up Runescarred for an excellent 2020 touring year. Recommended.

You can hear those three singles now on many streaming services. There is also a cover of Iron Maiden’s “Moonchild” out there that you do not want to miss, and the We Are EP is waiting to be listened to. The full album The Distant Infinite drops on February 21, 2020. The band is selling some merchandise on their Facebook page (link below), and you can get digital stuff at iTunes and Spotify. And if you happen to be in or near Austin, Texas, drop by the launch party at Kick Butt Café on Feb. 21^st.

Links:

https://www.facebook.com/runescarred/

https://www.instagram.com/runescarred/

http://www.runescarred.com/