Exploding out of the speakers with a gallop of riffage comes the eponymous album from Exeter’s Sanguine. Fronted by Tarin Kerrey (recently picked by Adrian Smith to guest on his Primal Rock Rebellion album), these guys are definitely NOT your typical female fronted metal band.

Opening track “For Love” is Sanguine’s mission statement. They feed us a catchy bridge as an entrée to an infectious chorus. “Anger Song” has a strong Marilyn Manson feel to it and removes any sense of predictability that we could ever have for this album. Just as we get used to her almost Gwen Stefani-like clean tones, Tarin delivers a schizophrenic squeal something akin to Dani Filth at his banshee best. This is controlled vocal madness backed by a razor sharp sound. At times it’s so crazy, it borders on possible genius.

Where they find their stride is on the centre section of the album. The fantastic “Don’t Change” and “In the Sky” are easily the most accessible songs on the album. With support vocals supplied by Nick Magee,” In the Sky” has the potential to be a firm Radio Favourite.

Metal aggression returns after the brief interlude with “Live, Consume, Drive” and the hardcore punk of “Territory”. These knock any cobwebs that may have gathered in the ears and are sure to spawn writhing moshpits in the clubs.

For a debut long player, this delivers on many levels. It’s new, exciting, original, and it keeps your attention until the end. Keep an eye on Sanguine for the future, and look out for them on the festival circuit this summer…