Within the Veil

Global destruction, human suffering and emotional torment are among the themes of Fear of God's Within the Veil, a blend of heavy metal and gothic/alternative rock that is as arresting as it is dark and morbid. As brutally aggressive as this little known and undeservedly obscure band can be, melody is a key element of its generally slow-to-medium tempo material. In fact, menacing melodies and ominous harmonies are ideal companions for Fear of God's grim and anything-but-optimistic outlook -- as is the tortured screaming and growling vocals of lead singer Dawn Crosby (who resembled a 17th-century witch in her publicity photos). But as much potential as the band showed, the neglected CD didn't seem to be a major promotional focus at Warner Bros. -- and slid by without receiving much attention in either headbanger or alternative circles.