STYLE: Hard Music RATING OUR PRODUCT CODE: 6980-6759 LABEL: Independent FORMAT: CD Album
Reviewed by Shelby Foster
This disc is an odd beast, a two track EP by black metal purveyors Paradox combined with a sampler of 14 other assorted metal bands. Both Paradox tracks are average, and much of the extreme metal on the remainder of the disc is both a sonic quagmire and structural disaster. Ganglia’s track, described as “electronic grind”, being a case in point. Imagine a guttural, atonal belch sounding over an army of agitated robotic crickets. Sanctifica switch uncomfortably between harsh black brutality and mellow, sub-classical acoustic moments. Elsewhere, Encryptor’s gory track blends grunting with what sounds like rapid touch-typing (but is probably just under-produced drumming). The real highlights of the compilation are tracks from Soul Embraced and Kekal. The former has the most effective rhythmic punch of any track and avoids sidestepping into dubious acoustic/progressive sections, while the latter is a stunning slab of electro-black metal, leagues ahead of the competition. Both would be worthy competitors in the mainstream market. The only other real winner is Inversion’s track, a satisfying death-core nugget that is close to perfect, save for its meandering and lifeless finale (cut the progressive leaning guys).
The opinions expressed in this article are
not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed
views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may
not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a
later date.
Interested in reviewing music? Find out
more here.