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It’s always hard reviewing demos because more often than not they hardly give the listener the time to totally absorb the lasting impression a band means to leave without having to spin it several times in a row. Such is the case with Hamilton, Ontario’s Elevator 22, whose demo Hammertown Heavy crams so much in to one tiny 12-minute space.

The band has only been playing since mid-2001 but the three songs contained within Hammertown Heavy would have you thinking otherwise. This is an extremely tight and well-executed effort from a group of musicians who know extreme metal inside and out. It shows in the constant shifts in their sound; anywhere from black, grind, death, southern/stoner, classic thrash and just about any other genre within metal is finely represented.

Within one song you could hear Dark Funeral, Suffocation, Pantera and everything in between. I’m not making this statement strictly in reference to the music though. Vocalist Bart Maslikowski, popularly known by his stage name Periwinkle the Monstrous (your guess is as good as mine) has one of the most incredible ranges I have ever heard. The guy can do it all, seriously.

Hammertown Heavy is sweeter than it is short for sure and has left me mentally salivating for more. Elevator 22 delivers a lesson in heavy metal 101: the way it should be done. This is one any fan of extreme music will eat up and demand seconds without saying please. This Hamilton foursome is definitely a group to keep your eyes on.