This Finnish quartet has very little use for modern music. The music sounds a lot like a much better produced late 70s Priest, but the vocals are less histrionic. Tuneful with strong harmonies, but restrained.

Rough Grind Hardened (Inverse)

That restraint is what separates this band. Yeah, these songs have a definite late 70s/early 80s feel, complete with keyboards, chunky riffage and well-constructed melodies. Not glam, not thrash and not really NWOBM, either. Both more classic and more refined.

In many ways, this is a heavier and someone more midtempo version of Black Paisley. This would have been recognized as metal 40 years ago, but given the extreme sounds of today it fits much more into a basic heavy rock category. Rough Grind isn't inventing anything new, but it sure has a handle on its sound.

I can't imagine many folks under 40 who would even understand what Rough Grind is trying to do. That's fine. These rippers are a solid tonic for what ails ya. Take two and don't wake up in the morning.

Jon Worley