FORWARDHEAD 'Pieces' (Hard Volume Records) RATING: 8/10

By GREG MAKI

Listen to Forwardhead’s Pieces, and the power of frontman Ron Turner’s voice virtually leaps out of the speakers to engulf the listener. It conjures images of Maynard James Keenan, but while Tool spends more and more time meandering about in experimental prog-metal, Forwardhead serves tasty slabs of metallic rock. They blend the darkness and atmosphere of Tool with the accessibility and songwriting savvy of Alice in Chains. Pieces is a moody, haunting recording with subtle electronics adding even more texture.

The trio, which features Turner pulling double duty on guitar, along with bassist Craig Tambascio and drummer Darren Wallach, has loads of talent, both as songwriters and musicians. Check out the instrumental “11th Hour” to hear Turner’s prowess on the guitar front and center. Forwardhead is a dynamic, exciting band. These fellow Marylanders (another plus in my book) will make a lot of noise in the metal world with a little exposure.