### Cwn Annwn: The alpha and the omega

#### 24/08/11 || sly

I hate when bands try too hard to find a cool, unique name and end up with something unpronounceable and pretentious. Not that this applies to Minnesota’s Evanescence-meets-Iron Maiden-wannabes Cvwyn Anhwyywvnn. Did I spell that right? Whatever. Vocalist Julie Schultz is definitely not a bad singer. Good even. Then enter douchey tough-guy vocals, sour guitar sound, some very boring arrangements, and it’s all downhill from there. I could imagine some potential if they eliminated the screamy emo dude yelling in the back, focused more on the actual compositions, and honed their overall sound. And if you think that’s harsh, it’s not like this is their first release. They have two EPs and a previous full-length. And they still kinda suck. I realize that Minnesota probably doesn’t have the greatest metal scene in the world, but I hope it gets better than this. I played it to a friend who resumed it best: “You could find this kind of band anywhere”.

4/10: Hounds of Hell my ass. More like kittens from Purgatory.