Most rock groups have a mastermind who calls all the shots, and for
Century, it is vocalist/guitarist Carson Slovak. Formerly a member of Trustkill recording artists
Armsbendback, Slovak initially set out for
Century to be a "one-man band," a plan that he followed through on
Century's self-titled EP. But for
Century's full-length debut on Tribunal Records, 2006's
Faith and Failure, Slovak no longer has to worry about juggling multiple instruments, as he is now joined by guitarist Mike Giuliano, bassist Joshua Groah, and drummer Grant McFarland (who was replaced by Matt Smith upon the album's release). Akin to such influences as
Helmet,
Cave In, and
Snapcase,
Century specialize in brutal metal with elements of hardcore thrown in -- screamed vocals, discordant guitar riffs, and metronome-perfect drumming -- as evidenced by such tracks as "Obsolescence" and "Back into the Woodwork."
Faith and Failure should connect with fans of underground metal that is far heavier than the majority of the supposed "heavy" music that has entered the mainstream. ~ Greg Prato