review by: Matt Smith
Cast the Stone is Missouri’s latest metal success. The players are young and the band just formed, but they’re already making a name for themselves in the St. Louis and Columbia areas. I saw their show at a small, smoky bar in Columbia a few weeks ago, and I was blown away. Technical, crunchy guitars, fast drums, and deep growling; it’s hard to go wrong with that combination, especially when it’s clear that each member of the trio is an accomplished musician (and they’re especially energetic live).
Metal is nothing new to any of them, as they are former members of Atmos, Shadow Faction, and the short-lived Figurehead. These names don’t mean much to those outside of Missouri, but hopefully Cast the Stone will soon make its way into the international metal community. Their sound is a synthesis of all the good death metal I’ve ever heard. They list Autumn Leaves as a major influence, and they’ve done covers of Meshuggah and Lamb of God. Their taste is exceptional, and it shows in their music. They’re working on an album now, so hopefully there will be more to say about this promising group in the near future.
