Cancelled may claim Amsterdam as their home base, but there’s a distinctly American sound to their music. After drummer Sky Hahn, bassist/ backing vocalist Joeri ‘Spit’ Van Hilten and guitarist Daan Vonk decided to start a new band (following the demise of bands such as Mac-11, Bloodsessions and Motherfed), they called on the talents of vocalist Yoav Zouker and guitarist Robert Bouws to join the fold. They soon recorded their debut four track EP ‘Plankton’ in 2001, and it wasn’t long before they were playing in front of bands such as Kittie and European festival. A year has since passed, and Cancelled is back with a new 3 track EP/ single. The opening cut (and first promotional video clip) 'Abstained' introduces itself with some atmospheric bass before Zouker forces the band headlong into an intense amalgamation of stream and searing riffs. His vocal style curiously moves from Maynard James Keenan’s (Tool) odd signature melodies and Robb Flynn’s (Machine Head) twisted snarls. Musically Cancelled utilize the best elements of nu-metal, but mix it up by incorporating some stunning riffs and elements of old school thrash. The drum introduction of 'Below' slowly builds up to a solid rhythm, but soon moves into something-different altogether. The song gives way to full on metal assault with Zouker again leading the song into a stunning chorus. The final track 'S.O.S.' is a re-mastered version of the song that first appeared on the 'Plankton' EP. The relentless bass allows the band to steer the song from atmospheric mellow moments to harsh metal with effortless ease. Overall, Cancelled is without a doubt one of the most surprising unsigned band I’ve heard in some time. On the strength of the three tracks on offer, it’s only a matter of time before a major label snatches them up. (Source: www.full-strength.net – AU - April 2003 by Justin Donnelly)