The first thing to say about this release - it's nicely packaged. Nice slip case, bonus DVD. But is the content any good?

This is the Guildford band's self-produced second album (by band wunderkind Eng Wei Chua), and from the opening cello and chattering typewriter sounds it is both atmospheric, heavy, and absorbing.

'An Open Book' lays down the blueprint and Bohica are up there with Machine Head and Avenged Sevenfold - melodic metal of the highest order.

'Chokehold' sounds like an outtake from Trivium's debut album (Matt Heafy's mob are another reference point) and it has a compulsive metal riff that would have even the most hardened ancient hack reaching for the smelling salts.

Overall, Bohica make a compelling noise and they deserve your attention.

****

Review by David Randall