Forever in Terror

 Restless in the Tides, Forever in Terror's debut, boasts the right combination of sounds and connections for it to become the next big thing in Cleveland metal. The disc is the band's first for the revered Metal Blade label; it features a vocal assist from Chimaira frontman Mark Hunter and artwork from Derek Hess, who has worked with In Flames and Pearl Jam. That's impressive for musicians who are barely old enough to purchase cigarettes.

The Streetsboro quintet, however, sounds more like a pack of thrash- and death-metal veterans. But unlike its competition, Forever in Terror doesn't back itself into a corner with perpetual brutality. Heavier than the lunch line at fat camp, the band also works melodic vocals and acoustic guitars into its mix. The band is already solid, but by the time its members are old enough to buy beer, it could be spectacular.