The four members of German melodic metal band Clusterhead grew up listening to such bands as Judas Priest, Iron Maiden, and The Scorpions. It is little wonder that their debut album Times Of No Trust contains some of those influences. Having worked hard on the live circuit since their formation three years ago in Regensburg it was very much time for an album. In May of this year they put that right and Times Of No Trust is the result.

Clusterhead’s style is one of riff laden heavy rock, some melodic choruses, a touch of the radio friendly that all sits alongside more mainstream metal. 2007 is their most important year to date. It saw them release the album after three earlier EPs. It also led to them supporting US metal band Cage when they performed in Germany.

Clusterhead consist of vocalist Rene Brandt, guitarist Frank Stadlbauer, Andreas Meyer on bass, and drummer Ruediger Tonn. The band’s own production of Times Of No Trust is impressive. There is a vibrancy to the sound that gives the tracks that added depth.

Several tracks are well written, played, and produced. The overall effect, when played as a whole, is that it is something of a roller coaster ride. The high points are very high indeed but there are a few minor dips along the way. It is a debut album when all is said and done and you come out of it knowing that this is a band with potential.

The highlights undoubtedly include the impressive opener “Tears I’ve Cried” and “Ghosts”. “Tears I’ve Cried” takes you firmly into the world of Clusterhead. Rene Brandt’s vocals are powerful, effective, and clear. The band provides the power and the track hits you like a sledgehammer of melodic metal. Coming out of the traps like this certainly grabs your attention but it can of course prove hard to follow. The title track does just that with a darker metal vibe, and the delicate opening of “Made Of Stone” belies its underlying metal force.

The more radio friendly and melodically effective, “Ghosts” is a highlight and would be on most albums by a band in this genre. Other impressive tracks include “Poisoned”,  “Deep In The Night”, and “Hole In My Heart”.

There are glimpses of the sun bursting above the horizon throughout. It leaves you hoping that they can produce more of the stronger material as their career progresses. As much as this album sets the foundations it just needs a few more killer choruses to underline the band’s tendency towards the melodic. For example “Your Confession” and “The Human Factor” never quite hit the highs of “Ghosts”, “Deep In The Night”, or “Tears I’ve Cried”. But songs of this quality can, after all, only be made by a band with potential.

Times Of No Trust is worthy of trying out for yourself. Ultimately there is enough here to make me look forward to their second album. Clusterhead have announced their arrival and with Times Of No Trust have a firm foundation on which to build.

Clusterhead can be found and heard on their official website or their Myspace profile page.