Distorted has been around a while. They formed in 1996 and did some demos, and a lot of live performance. Good to know the Holy Land is solidly into the metal scene, we hear so much negative from that part of the world it almost seems otherworldly to think of them enjoying crushing metal. . . and with a female lead at that. Their debut album Memorial was recorded in 2005 in Underground Studio in Sweden. It was produced by Pelle Seather, a well respected gothic talent whose associations include time with groups ranging from Draconian to Madder Mortem and the Diablo Swing Orchestra. He clearly knows his stuff.

Following the release of that first CD, Distorted moved back into their strong point, live performance. And, watching them perform live confirms this strength, some in this music are better known, and in some case, only known, for studio work. Distorted will rock the house, it’s head banging metal with a strong stage presence. In fact, from the little I have seen and heard, they appear to be better in a live setting, which is not a common trait. That’s not to say their studio work isn’t good, it is, but there’s nothing like a live presentation where the music gets stronger with the performance of the musicians on stage.

And the strength of this music, in this reviewer’s opinion anyway, is the guitar work. Production is exceptional. . . and the female vocals are far better than average, assuming you don’t need Tarja doing the front work. . . but, it is the axe work that sets Distorted apart. Nearly every song includes strong guitar virtuoso components, and they are the kind of licks you recall in your sleep, way deep in REM sleep.

The lineup includes Miri Milman, female vox, Raffael Mor, male vocals, Benny Zohar on Guitars, Guy Shalom on base and Shaked Furman on drums (session drums). But that’s just the reported members. Distorted appears to be a remarkably friendly group, and one that must be fun to work with. The list of additional musicians listed by the group include Thomas from Therion, Lisa from Draconian, Svencho from Aborted and guest lead from Henrik from Koldborn and Hatesphere. You have to assume some of that cranking guitar is Henrik since there are clearly two leads working on many occasions. . . and they work seamlessly. It’s like listening to the duel lead with Lynyrd Skynyrd back in the 70s, but without the southern accents.

As is usually the case, what the band says is often as interesting as how they say it. And Distorted provides some interesting commentary. On the opening number, One Last Breath, the band begins with a strong guitar component, which should give you some ideas of what to expect from that point forward, and moves into the vocal presentation. Miri has an interesting vocal delivery and decent range, but her interpretation of the music is her strong point. Which suggests that her stage presentation would be even better. The vocals, which begin with Miri, soon include the grunting of Raffael, a combination that occurs throughout the CD although they also perform individually at times. The theme is consistent with the gothic lyric found on this site:

Pale spring morning

All silent and cold

Then I am longing for you

And I am calling for you

(Do you feel my pain?!)

One Last Breath

Before emptiness consumes my soul

Now I must face this all by myself

It has been so long

And I still see you

In front of me I still feel your

Warm embrace

Your spirit lies within me eternally

In this sea of misery

I can't swim

Be my guide and I will follow you

The vocals are good, the lyrics strong, but it is the guitar work that drives the CD. In Tehom, we are presented a short guitar duet that is probably worth the price of the CD. It is followed by another guitar anthem, Consistent Duality that features both vocalists and moves to a guitar duet of some note.

And then, there’s Letting Go, the 11th track on the CD and clearly the high point. Strong vocals from Miri, and from Thomas, we must assume since they are clean and sure sound like Therion, and that crushing axe work. I think I’m hearing Lisa from Draconian in this one as well, a regular all-star cast. Certainly the strongest production number, and the most diverse in terms of style.

Having been friends with the boys from Skynyrd I have some understanding of how hard it is for two guitarists to get to a point where they can work well together. Somehow, the guitarists from Distorted, and friends, have found the same magic. And, fortunately, for us, they are free with their art. It shines throughout every song and is the signature component of this work. If you like your guitar work strong, this is your kind of music.