Metz - Metz

So, METZ. A thumping new trio from Toronto, Canada, made up of vocalist and guitarist Alex Edkins, drummer Hayden Menzies and bassist Chris Slorach, have arrived just in time to revive music from its self-induced pop coma. Signed to the legendary Sub Pop label, their self titled album takes on inspiration from all their favourite 90s grunge gods and cult favourites: Pixies, Nirvana, and Public Image Ltd to name just a few.

Delivering a raw power that has to be experienced live, the METZ sound has melodic riffs and lyrics to match. They bring back a much needed shock of relentless drums and guitar in a post-hardcore way. This is a band which has played everywhere from countless basements to skater shops to the festival circuit for three years, slowly building performance by performance.

The template is alternative metal via the late 80s and the Seattle sound. 'Wasted's slow introduction hides the coming onslaught; it hits so deep in its bass tones, you can feel it in your chest, 'Wet Blanket's muted vocal and heavy, menacing guitar could quite easily blow your mind hearing it live, albeit standing right by the speakers. 'Headache' personifies chaos in music form; its lyrics ("Gotta get away"sung repeatedly and manically) leave no doubt. 'The Mule' talks of being left behind, blame and seething confusion.

This is a band, like so many before them, venting their anger on society's problems: rising unemployment, economic crisis and a far away fought war. How little has changed since the early 1990s. Fear not, listening to this band will wipe you clean through sheer volume and escapism. METZ, welcome, we have missed you.