EVENT HORIZON 'Naked on the Black Floor' RATING: 8/10 Buy now

By JEFF MAKI

In today's rock and metal, most bands tend to stick to a particular formula or style. But here and there, a band comes out with something completely different. This can either set the band apart or be its downfall if it's too over the top. Event Horizon's ambitious album, Naked on the Black Floor, should be recognized as one of 2006's best debut albums.

Formed in Italy in 1996 and still featuring four original members, Event Horizon (yeah, like the movie) play an odd mix of music, incorporating power metal, electronics and hints of nu-metal. While the music is a complete mixture, the vocals of Gianluigi Girardi are classic metal. His high-pitched scream brings to mind Judas Priest, Iron Maiden, Helloween and other
classic bands. From the album's strange electronic opening we are led into "Deconstructed," featuring a Coal Chamber-esque downtuned riff, with Girardi's vocals immediately taking over. "Bited" is pure power metal, with a disco-like rhythm in the chorus. The slower tempo of "Again" has melodic riffs and catchy electronics, making for one of the album's stronger songs. Songs like "The Road To Myself" have a lot going on. From Halloween-like synths, and several different transitions and surprises, this is what makes Naked on the Black Floor stand out. The twin guitar attack from Stefano Malacarne and Mario Baffondi is stellar. They transition from heavy nu-metal chugging, to thrash, to classic soloing with ease. "Zero"'s opening dance beat leads us in to funky basslines and the album's most memorable chorus. "Dance" and "funky" are not words usually associated with metal, but Event Horizon pull it off and still keep things heavy. From start to finish, this album has almost everything that an open-minded rock or metal fan needs.

Event Horizon brilliantly combine several styles—both metal and non-metal—keeping the listeners on their toes. It is clear that the band has a passion for classic metal, but the influences don't stop there. This eclectic mix should enable the band to tour with a variety of artists. If a label has to be placed on Event Horizon, I'd call it "experimental metal." The
experiment so far is a strong success.