Origin:	Manhattan, NY, USA
Genres:	Traditional Metal

Mahavatar

When the core of a band consists of a Jamaican guitarist and an Israeli vocalist, both female, you know you're in for something unique. Mahavatar was founded by the duo of guitarist Karla Williams and vocalist Lizza Hayson in 1999, and while others have come and gone, the duo perservered, finally recording their debut album with the help of some studio musicians in 2005. That album, Go With The No!, is quite an accomplishment, a dark, brooding metal album that draws from many influences yet is almost wholly original. Hayson's vocals are a wonder -- someone else correctly noted a resemblance to Karyn Crisis, and though Hayson's style isn't quite as chaotic as Crisis', she's able to blend a smooth vocal with intense growls seemlessly. The song tempos are mostly in the slow to mid-range category, never quite dropping to doom territory (though doom is an occasional influence), with Williams' deft guitar work always a shining force. An excellent debut from this band -- if the duo is able to keep a steady lineup and build from Go With The No!, the sky's the limit. Highly recommended.