So, before us is the EP "Vertical Limit," released in a very limited pressing. In November 2006, SCARTOWN released their debut full-length work "Legends of the Big City," and now, half a year later, we can once again acquaint ourselves with the studio explorations of this moscow collective. Quite literally, in fact, since the disc includes a multimedia section whose centerpiece is a video clip featuring footage from the recording of this EP, concert performances, travels, and more. Photos are also included. The disc booklet was designed by the same Hungarian artist — again a city with skyscrapers and a similar color palette, slightly darker than on "Legends." However, the cover art turned out to be much more surrealistic and grim. Inside are lyrics for four new songs. As a bonus, the disc also features three songs we already heard on the debut work ("Heart of Emptiness," "Adrenaline," and "Labyrinth"), with the only difference being that they are now performed by the band's vocalist Joker in English, and those lyrics can be found in the multimedia section.
So, four new songs with a total running time of exactly 17 minutes. Already within the second minute of listening, one can draw several pleasant conclusions: the approach to mixing has changed compared to the debut. Despite Dan Swano's studio handling the mastering of "Legends," the vocals on that album were completely inexpressive and pushed to the background. This time the disc is mixed in an entirely different manner — the vocal parts sound simply brilliant, both the growling and the clean ones. The latter receive greater emphasis on this release compared to the debut; the clean vocals belong to the band's keyboardist. Musically, there are no longer any elements of Finnish "Bodom-esque" power metal that did seep through on "Legends." Here we hear very melodic and original modern death metal. Associations with the Gothenburg school certainly arise, but this is by no means imitation or copying of ideas. Overall, this is very solid material, recorded and mixed with quality, and the mastering is beyond reproach as well. The main composer remains guitarist Leo, so it is him we can thank for the interesting positive momentum in the compositional department. Great work — in closing, I want to reiterate that this is a limited edition, so you'd better hurry with your purchase.