MYNAS is quickly becoming a force on the Las Vegas Metal scene. Having played their first gig less than 2 years ago, it says a lot that they're steadily building a strong fan base. With the upcoming release of "The Architect" I suspect that it will just get bigger.

MYNAS is Miles Lanham on guitar and vocals, Dean Greenwood on lead guitar, Mark Bazar on bass, and Robellion on the drums. They take the Metal you know and kick it into high gear on "The Architect". With ten tracks that are some of the cleanest I've heard on a self-released CD one listen through wasn't enough. I also have to give kudos to the band on the cover design, and putting the lyrics in the liner. Growing up in the days of vinyl I still enjoy listening to new music with the lyrics in front of me.

Now onto the music! The opening track is "The Architect". Luckily for all of us the band has released this on their YouTube channel, so I can share it with all of you. What you notice right away though is the tight arrangement and hard driving sound. All thoughts of "just another local band" quickly go out the window as you find yourself banging your head to the shredding riffs and heavy beat. In fact in the first 30 seconds you could give yourself whiplash if you aren't careful. The song is a full on assault that you can get behind on many levels. "Mizery Chord" keeps it going with more bad ass musicianship. It's Thrash on speed to the ears. I personally can't fathom trying to play at the pace MYNAS does. Miles' delivery on vocals is as powerful as the riffs on his and Dean's guitars, and if I didn't know Robellion's kit was huge I'd wonder how the hell he pulled off such complex work. Mark's bass line is the perfect counterpoint to it all. "Reign" is deceptively light in the intro, but if you think this is going to give you a respite you're wrong.

"Collateral" has some interesting counterpoints in the vocals, that give you something a little different, while "To Behold A Pale Horse" is just a full on Metal assault on the senses. Mosh pit anyone?? Want to start one? Throw on this track! I have to say that it's one of my favorites on the CD. I really dig the whole feel of it. This could be the one that gets my blood pumping on another level. "Emotional Bleeding" starts with a great rhythm and adds the shred. Miles comes in on vocals and I definitely wouldn't want to be the chick that got this kind of emotion stirred up. "Games Of Death" will make the hard-core headbangers happy as hell. Definitely another mosh inciting song.

"In-Human" picks up where the last song leaves off. Don't think that you're getting a break because MYNAS again takes it up a notch. It had me nodding to the beats at my desk while I listened, snickers of others be damned. "Moments Of War" is another favorite of mine. What sets it apart for me are the syncopations that aren't what you're used to. I always have enjoyed things that are different in a great way. The last track is "Nemesis" and it doesn't disappoint. It gives you one more chance to appreciate the raw power and real talent of the band.

This is one of the best CD's in this genre that I've heard in a long time. The fact that it's self produced, all original material, and true to the bands power on a stage makes it all the more impressive. It's a CD that will get your heart pumping and have you ready to risk whiplash banging your head. The CD will be officially released on March 3rd at the Aruba Hotel here in Las Vegas. I'm happy to say that I'll be there supporting MYNAS and counting how many new fans they get that night. If you want more on MYNAS check out their web page at www.mynasband.com. Now if you'll excuse me, I'm off to listen to my favorite tracks again.