Screaming out of Tempe, Arizona come Eyes Set To Kill, a five-piece band with many influences and a sense of what they want to become. Two sisters, Alexia and Anissa Rodriguez, formed the group in 2004 and their debut album, Reach, is set to release on February 19.

Alexia handles lead vocals and guitar and Anissa is the bass player. They were eventually joined by Brandon Anderson, their screamer and synth player; Greg Kerwin, second guitar to Alexia and drummer Caleb Clifton. The band has been doing well via online marketing. According to their press release, they booked their first tour through My Space and since then have managed to tour with acts like Papa Roach, Kittie, Jericho. They are a young band harnessing the power of the Internet to promote themselves.

The group’s stated goal, as given on its My Space page, is to "create a unique sound that … combines the soft, melodic feel of female vocals and gut-wrenching screaming, backed up by powerful instrumentals with a post hardcore influence."

In truth, they are a tough band to categorize. They’ve got the contrast of melodic female singing and screaming by Brandon. If they were just a screamo band I think they’d be a weak example, at least as far as the screaming goes. It shatters, punctures the songs and sounds almost like a gimmick at times. Brandon’s got a standard screech that contrasts too sharply with Alexia’s voice; she’s got a sensuous quiver to her singing. In fact, I think Eyes Set To Kill would be better off with her taking solo vocal duty.

The music itself just doesn’t sound heavy or raw enough to support the screaming. The synth sometimes dilutes the purity of the metal strike. That’s not meant to say that the music is bad, though. It sounds very well put together. At first, it seemed like the bass was missing but a good listen to “Darling” or “Into the Night” dismisses that notion. Anissa’s presence is certainly there. Clifton shows some good double bass work and the drums do seem taut but packaged as well as a little flat.

Of course, they’re not just a screamo band. In fact the music sounds more like good progressive hard rock ever so slightly jacked up on human growth hormone. Comparisons to Evanescence seem inevitable; Alexia has a similar voice. Other comparisons could be made to Lacuna Coil or Otep or In This Moment.

“Young Blood Spills Tonight” has a spectacular depth of emotion and showcases Alexia’s fabulous voice, which shimmers like a spectre in the opening segment. The drumming feels more natural, with a better pop on the snare and some nice fills. Guitars cascade maudlin notes through the verse and hammer hard during the screams. A wonderful track.

Also of note is the sensitive, mostly acoustic “Give You My All.”  It holds your attention throughout, though it is a departure from the other tracks. It proves that Alexia could hold the band together with just her voice and presence.

The songwriting is of good quality. It has intelligent thoughts expressed well with good cadence and form. The songs touch on many subjects: divorce, relationships, isolation.

Eyes Set To Kill have a lot of good elements. I hope the group sticks together. As they gel they’re music should reach a wider and wider audience.