XVI Eyes
Last Migration of the Hammerheads

September 2010
Released: 2010, Self Released
Rating: 4.0/5
Reviewer: Aaron Yurkiewicz

As a self professed doom-phile, it’s refreshing to hear bands take a familiar formula and make it original with their own unique spin. Such is the case with Winnipeg’s XVI Eyes (that’s sixteen eyes for the numerically challenged) and their self released debut LAST MIGRATION OF THE HAMMERHEADS. Merging elements of melodic doom, Crowbar sludge and even a smidgen of death metal, the band uses its influences to create a formidable opening statement.



At first glance, LMOTH is deceptively simple with a relatively bare bones musical approach, but there’s plenty of wallop in each tune. The album is full of dark riffs from the murky depths, but LMOTH is equal parts heavy and melody. Songs like “Elizabeth” and “Blackened Sun” have an Alice in Chains vibe, while “Diaspora”, “Long Knives” and the title track benefit from some Opeth inspired prog infusion. And then there’s the straight up, punch you in the face tracks like “Sea Demons” and “Touching Hate”. There’s a lot of variety throughout the album’s 50 minute run time, but each song bears a common thread with its brethren which creates a sense of continuity from beginning to end. The production leaves a little to be desired, but the dense presentation adds to the overall heavy factor.



LAST MIGRATION OF THE HAMMERHEADS is a strong debut and a great heavy album in general. According to the band’s website, XVI Eyes is already in the studio prepping for album #2. Here’s hoping that the band’s got more of this up their collective sleeve. You can pick up a copy of the album through CD Baby and iTunes.