2006-01-10
The fact that the American metal-core scene is currently thriving does not necessarily mean that the German scene, home to such stalwarts as Caliban, who do well in combining aggressive metal-core with some softer, more melodic emo moments, is any lesser.
Another thing these guys share with Caliban is they both recorded in Woodhouse Studios, with the ever dependable Siggi Bemm at the helm, he manages to infuse the band with a very clear and dynamic sound, very much his own, and quite different than the more aggressive sound provided by such other uber-producers such as Andy sneap.
The sound fits the music as well, they might easily be described as a thinking man's metal-core band, a good emo approach in the vocals, moving easily from shouted to softer emo sections, and the music also fluctuates well between hard metal riffing and softer melodic clean guitars.
The Opener is actually one of the weaker tracks on the album, but the band quickly get their footing with Breathe, the second one, a smart guitar riff that gives a good dynamic feel to the proceedings.
Extra kudos to the bass work on several of the tracks, Political Correctness starts off with a good combination of percussion and a smart bass line before going into more aggressive territories, and In Secrecy is yet another complex and quite progressive track which shows off a much more varied side of the group.
Some heavy moments here as well, the band knows when to stop mucking about and throw in some truly heavy riffs.
The band is sure to fall into the trap of being compared to other German metal-core band, but they certainly stand their ground with a real quality release, they also seem to have plenty of material for future releases, judging by the fact the album contains13 tracks with plenty of ideas and riffs. in any case, this is one release that is well-deserving some extra attention.
Alon Miasnikov
