This is India’s finest exponents of tech metal’s third album, released back in 2018. Melody has always been high on the things they excel at, but with this album I think they have gone above and beyond. The only non-Indian member of the band is vocalist Eric Emery who sort of defines the sound somewhat, just like Mike Lessard does in The Contortionist. In fact, I think those bands are very alike.
After the short instrumental track Signal, the first track proper is Dim. A totally vocal-driven piece with a nice groove and vibe. Out Of Time has a very busy groove, there are some killer riffs and short instrumental bursts all over this track. Synthetic Hands has a short quiet beginning before the pace picks up with a very busy drum groove, matched with a choppy riff. The middle is super heavy and djenty. They do seem to have moved maybe too much away from the heaviness. The songs have become too reliant on the vocals, and the main vocal melodies seem to blend into one. I’m not saying it’s bad, its not, I just would like more of the heaviness. When a track like Dissent blasts in, its like a kick in the nuts. The heaviness is so welcome and a refreshing change, it’s my favourite on the album. I hope the next record mixes it up with a little more crunch.
7.5/10 from The Grooveman.
