Dublin-based metal outfit Xerosun have been on my own personal radar for a while now. Ireland being such a small place many good acts often find themselves on the tips of many tongues without really having to try to push themselves too hard on the PR front. Xerosun have been working hard on their debut album for some time and have made an impact on the pub/club scene across Ireland and England.

Recorded in Dublin in 2008 ‘Absence of Light’ is a perfect introduction to the punchy rock sound of Xerosun, its ten tracks all offering forth a nice snippet of the raw talent waiting to unfold as the song plays out.

Reasonably paced these songs are nicely evocative and atmospheric in their structure. Each one taking a slightly different form and in some cases there are traces of almost ballad like vocals. These traits are a welcome change of pace form a band that could very easily have mimicked countless others and still made the grade.

For a debut CD ‘Absence of Light’ is a very worthwhile effort, the hard work, determination and energy of the four-piece band are most definitely noticeable in the finished product. Working well as a unit the band all pull together to support the gritty vocals of singer Ivan O’Sullivan and each song showcases the fluidity of a well-seasoned group nicely too.

Xerosun are still at the stage of their career where they want to push themselves to the limit with their CD releases and live performances. I seriously hope they never lose that sprit and enthusiasm for their art.

If you like your metal with an edge and a meaning this may be right up your street, if you are more of a clear cut rock fan you may just find this fills a void you didn’t even know you had in your music collection. In my opinion Xerosun have the potential and the skills to achieve it, now all they need are the Cd sales and growing fan base to nourish them. 4/5

- Reviewed by Phil Allely
http://totalbikerfm.com
03-Oct-2011
Full Review here