Power/Thrash Metal: Artifact - Reverse Driver (2015)

66 / 100

South Korea’s Artifact blends power, thrash, and groove metal, but shines brightest when leaning into heavier thrash/groove/death territory. So it's a mixed debut with clear potential if they embrace their heavier side.

Artifact, an unexpectedly emerging power/thrash metal band from the land of ginseng, marks the continued journey of JY-Queen. Here, she takes the lead and brings back the raspy vocal style from her previous band, Silent Eye. Alongside JY-Queen is Ahn Hyeon-Su, guitarist of Dark Ages, who serves as a seasoned figure, while the remaining three members appear to be newcomers or have unknown tracks.

Compared to the lead vocalists of similar bands, JY-Queen’s voice only truly comes alive on the EP’s title track, "Reverse Driver," where the thrash/groove/death metal atmosphere reminiscent of Silent Eye is most apparent. Elsewhere, the vocals lean toward drunken-sounding raspiness, occasionally pressed into growls, with music that tends to be mediocre in tempo and intensity. Ahn Hyeon-Su’s influence also stands out, especially in "Dooms Land" and "M," where a classic heavy metal vibe is clearly present. Meanwhile, the power metal elements are limited—appearing only as an intro and a guitar solo on "Green Pig," which briefly reminded me of Lovebites.

Ultimately, it would be much better for the band to pursue a thrash/groove/death metal direction, which would better showcase the strengths of its members—particularly JY-Queen. If I had to choose, "Green Pig" stands out compositionally, while "Reverse Driver" serves as the band’s unleashed beast.

[The review also posted on Metal Archives.]

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