Sonic Altar are a young (average age 18) unsigned band from New Zealand. Having won the New Zealand heat of the world wide battle of the bands, they then managed to finish third in the overall world final in Hong Kong recently. Not bad going and on strength of this, the bands debut, it’s easy to see why. 

Sonic Altar have taken various influences, some classic rock and some more modern tones, and blended them together to produce there own take on the rock sound, equal parts Iron Maiden, Kaiser Chiefs, Black Sabbath and even Disco Ensemble. With the right record label behind them there is little doubt that this band will go far. 

Listen to opening track 'Kneel At The Altar', a blend of that classic twin guitar sound with the modern vocals of Kane Bennett and you'll see what I mean. Bennet is without doubt  the band's trump card. He has voice that will appeal to both the more traditional rock crowd and a more indie/emo audience as well. That's not to say the rest of the outfit don't come up to scratch, they most certainly do. 'Forgotten Warrior' features a musical breakdown that draws from Deep Purple for it's influences whilst 'Induce Me' is driven along by a bouncy bass line and a huge riff reminiscent of say a Metallica of Black Label Society.

On the more indie/emo side of the house Sonic Altar then bring 'Hello Me Magpie with a definite modern vibe to its groove and rounding things off is 'Silent Ground', more acoustic in nature and bringing Pink Floyd to mind.

Sonic Altar certainly have a varied and interesting perspective and on the world of rock and definitely have their shit together sound wise. Considering this EP was recorded in the main in one of the band members bedrooms it puts a few recent, bigger budget releases  to shame. Check them out for yourself. An outstanding young band with a bright future ahead of them and I look forward to hearing a full album by the boys sometime next year.

Contact - www.sonicaltar.muzic.net.nz

Line Up

James Sieradzki - Drums
Matt Parry - Vocals
Scott Holmes - Guitars
Mark Potter - Bass
Reece Grogan - Vocals/Guitars

Tracks Reviewed

Kneel at the Altar
A kind of fire
Forgotten Warrior
Induce Me
Hello Mr Magpie
Silent Ground