Further reinforcing the fact that the UK, and particularly South Wales, is producing some top music, Newport's Circus Of War release a five-track demo that's positively brimming with potential.

Drawing on a hybrid of styles ranging from Bullet For My Valentine through Korn, Slipknot, even Linkin Park (don't laugh at the back) they produce a set of songs that's full of energy and not half bad.

Opener 'Higher Ground' starts of like the Foo Fightesr but soon morphs into a flat-out thrasher, reminiscent of BFMV around 'Hand Of Blood' times. 'Staring At The Sun' starts in a similar vein but throws a bit of Slipknot into the mix as well as a healthy dose of melody. They also have an interesting take on the multiple vocal styles. Rather than going for outright extreme opposites they mix it up with a variety of more mainstream styles, which really works well. 'Stone' brings in that Linkin Park influence with its interesting addition of keyboards to compliment the pinch harmonics. Again it's driven by some really meaty riffing and the varied vocals. 'Lord Of This World' will again have the BMFV aficionados creaming their jeans and also adds the nice touch of a very Van Halen-esque guitar solo. 'Blood' finishes everything else off with great aplomb and you can't help but be encouraged by the quality on offer here.

Obviously possessing the chops to really go places, if Circus Of War can push on and stamp a bit more of their own identity on their material then they really could become a band to watch in the near future.

www.myspace.com/circusofwar