A band's second album can make or break them. In local band Mortal Enemy's case, a technicality may help them sidestep the sophomore curse: Balance of Power is both their second release and their debut.
When Sean Daley and Todd Stover got together three years ago, they just wanted to hang out and play metal. They put out an album for fun. But once Matt Hopkins, Lance Patterson and John Roach were on board, they had an actual band and wanted to put out an actual album. It would be awhile, though, before that would happen.
Daley explained Balance of Power would have been out sooner but losing their rehearsal space and performing nonstop interfered with the band's focus.
"We kept putting the album on hold because we played every show we were offered," Daley said. "We finally had to stop. We had to."
In October of last year, they decided to bear down and write and record. With influences from Devil Drive, Killswitch Engage, Megadeth and Testament, they have 11 growly, speeding, guitar-laden metal tracks and plans for an ear-splitting CD release show with local friends Black Tooth Grin, Ripchain, Yexotay and Kryterium. The curse may turn out to be a blessing.
Saturday, June 20, 7:30 p.m., $6. Knitting Factory, 416 S. Ninth St., bo.knittingfactory.com.