Rainer and Cindy Wiechmann initially got their start with the Newfoundland, Canada based indie metal band KAOS; releasing 2 albums in the mid 80’s. Rainer has also been producer/engineer for such acts as Kittie, Thine Eyes Bleed and Blood of Christ. Both Rainer and Cindy were also part of the touring line-up for veteran Canadian rockers Helix before leaving in 2006. Now based in London, Ontario, Canada, their new project entitled Nail sees the duo returning to their hard rock and metal roots with a debut album that uses modern and very heavy guitar sounds and combined with the tough-as-nails (no pun intended!) voice of Cindy (now simply known as “C”), really kicks some serious ass!!

With an Alannah Myles/Pat Benetar type of ball-busting vocal style, C has an amazing and powerful yet raspy voice that is perfect for Nail’s brand of progressive and heavy guitar laden style of hard rock. Rainer’s riffs definitely slant toward metal in style yet the power and passion in C’s voice brings not only attitude but lots of melodic hooks and a definite commercial edge. There is a strong Tool vibe to some of their songs and Nail is the type of band that you could walk in on at any bar/club etc. and instantly like. The album opener No Way Out sees Rainer and C sharing vocal duties with a very Rush like feel especially with the guitar riffs and the "rattling" bass work (also by Rainer Wiechmann). Don't Say It shows the more modern metal side of Nail complete with chunky de-tuned Black Sabbath influenced riffs and the angst ridden vocal style of C. The Rush influence with the guitar and bass sounds can also be heard with the very prog influenced Right Now. Catchier and with a great chorus, this one is tailor made for modern FM radio. The bagpipes at the outro courtesy of Rob and Sandy Campbell of The Mudmen adds a nice haunting touch. Chunky de-tuned riffs are also front and centre with the tracks Reaper and Fishbowl with more of the Sabbath influence making appearances with Bottom Line and the very nasty F.O.A.D. complete with it's Into The Void vibe (I wonder who was the "stimulus" for that one!!). Coincidently, the band is in the middle of shooting a video for F.O.A.D. Carpe Diem sees a mix of more abstract and dreamy sounds, still more great "rattling" Geddy Lee bass sounds by Rainer and a solid sense of catchiness with both Rainer and C once again sharing vocal duties. The dark and plodding moodiness of Spider sees Nail drifting more into the darker Deadsoul Tribe type of progressive metal.

Although it took a couple of listens to fully get into, a few tracks stood out right away. However, the outstanding and extremely powerful voice of C is instantly apparent as well as the surprisingly heavy riff based modern hard rock/metal style of Nail. C's voice is quite simply one of the best female voices I've heard in a very long time. With an amazing set of pipes, there's no angelic operatic style to her voice whatsoever. It's a nice refreshing change to hear a female voice that just rips through you instead of making you feel all warm and fuzzy inside. In a nutshell…. progressive hard rock with metal tendencies, a very solid, catchy commercial sense and a killer female lead vocalist...that pretty much sums up all that is Nail.....

Those in and around the London, Ontario region can catch the band live at The Music Hall in London on Mar. 27th.

Check out the band's Myspace page