Reading metalcore band, Terakai, have self-released their eagerly anticipated debut EP, The Last Stand. The five-track EP was mixed and mastered by John Mitchell at Outhouse Studios.

The tragic death of guitarist Matt Dodd early in 2010 could have seen the end of the band, but Terakai vowed to continue, with the mission to make Matt proud! With the short-term help of Tom Hollings of The Arusha Accord, they fulfilled show obligations before recruiting Cameran Turner for the long-term.

Having already shared the stage with such bands as Sylosis, The Arusha Accord, A Textbook Tragedy and Sepultura the band’s upcoming appearance at The Big Finger Festival in October can only help to cement Terakai firmly in the British music scene.

The EP begins with ‘Intro’, a haunting acoustic beginning giving way to some seriously heavy riffage and screaming vocals, akin to fellow Reading metallers Malefice and Sylosis. The angst dissipates, giving way to a more melodic end to the track that could easily be As I Lay Dying.

‘Divinity Restored’ is a brutal track, more heavy riffs this time accompanied by pounding beats with more tell tale signs of that exclusive Berkshire sound. The brief melodic metalcore interludes are very evident, cutting the tempo and introducing jazz fuelled riffs that give a brief respite before the onslaught returns!

‘What Was Once Light’ highlights the bands considerable talent, both technically and in their song writing ability. The lead intro, albeit short, catches the attention immediately. Again, the track develops into a more melodic phase before returning to the ferocious down beat verse. The intro lead break returns, this time a little longer leading into a full solo, which again is good but would be immense if it was only a little longer. The beat down that follows is brief but ferocious and it’s impossible to not nod your head along with it!

‘Reflections Of The Past’ increases the tempo as it unleashes the full face-ripping force of the dual guitar attack and ferocious vocals that Sylosis would be proud of! The now trademark melodic interludes are also in full effect, perfectly complementing the mix of singing and screaming vocals. The break down midway through the track leading into the solo is an immense piece of musicianship, these boys know how to shred! Each element of the track flows seamlessly into the next.

The EP closes with ‘Welcome To The Grave’, which is the pick of the bunch, with an industrial sound at the beginning, the staccato drum beat and guitar riffs, that are almost Meshuggah like, adding to the overall menacing feel to the track. After the initial onslaught, the clean vocals burst through but release none of the tense atmosphere surrounding the track, paving the way for the brutal onslaught to continue. There is a maturity to this song that hasn’t really been hugely evident in the previous tracks.

Terakai face a difficult crossroads now when it comes to writing new material, it’s clear from this record that Matt Dodd was a fine guitar player. Tom Grepne now has huge shoes to fill, but from all accounts he is more than capable to meet the challenge! We at OneMetal.com are looking forward to hearing what Terakai brings to the table in the future!

Terakai’s Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/terakai