The German band Guano Apes is probably the best unknown band to come out of the wood work in a long while. Proud Like A God delivers a good hard melodic thrashing, reminiscent of Korn, and vocalist Sandra Nasic alternates between heavy, urgent squalling and hauntingly sweet textures similar to early Cocteau Twins and Fiona Apple with equal passion.

They lead off with the power-thrash of "Open Your Eyes," and when the second track "Maria" starts you'll be reaching for the liner notes to see if they have two singers. Just one. Nasic has a vocal arsenal that spans both male and female realms and works seamlessly in Guano Apes amazingly diverse pallet--including hints of everything from Jane's Addiction to The Cranberries.

"Lords of the Boards" pays tribute to the Skateboard, whose devotees have been a big reason for the popularity of aggro-thrasher bands. And the beauty of this album is that it also offers a glimpse into other types of music that are just as cool.

The important thing to remember, however, is that Proud Like A God rocks--good and hard, and if that's how you like it--you'll love Guano Apes.