Artist: Illogicist
Label: Crash Music
Release Date: 7/13/04
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Title: Subjected Artist: Illogicist Label: Crash Music Release Date: 7/13/04 |
Judgment Committee Reviews | Rating |
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Abyss's Review:
Illogicist are an Italian metal act that have an epic heavy metal sound that is chaotic and progressive and highlights the fact that these guys are very accomplished musicians. Engaging in technical sonic tapestries that would pacify a Dream Theater fan, Illogicist up the ante by incorporating an aggressive attack that remains outside the realm of ordinary structure, but refrains from going over the chaotic edge like many of the more extreme technical metal and grindcore bands do. I guess a less awkward way of saying that is that these guys are progressive, but pretty fucking heavy as well.
"One word review: Intriguing." The band relies mostly on harsh vocals that keep the songs rolling by despite the fact that it's obvious the guitars are what are being highlighted. Discordant solos pepper the entire album, but the theme is solid. While many bands in this situation sacrifice listenability for technicality, Illogicist have a good sound and an ability to meld the worlds of musicianship and songwriting rather effectively. You can listen to this record as a metal fan, not just as a musician.
Unfortunately, while this band has a pretty nifty sound, they seem in a bit of a rut. While their sound is pretty original in comparison to other acts, the songs on this record are overshadowed by each other. The band inexplicably uses the same tones, tempos, and tendencies on each song, making them indistinguishable from each other. This is taboo in any act that embraces a 'progressive' slant. This is the only real weakness of the band, however, and I look forward to seeing if they can mix things up a bit in the future. One word review: Intriguing.
Death's Review:
Wow. I'm speechless. These guys absolutely smoke. I had no idea what I was getting into when I was assigned this record, but I'm psyched that I now have discovered this. Illogicist are hyper-technical, artistic death metal that actually is heavy, features strong songwriting and has a definite crunch that you can bang your head to. Think late-era Death and bands like Athiest or Cynic mixed with a modern slant that evokes bands like Children of Bodom (without the keys). The guitar lines are definitely up front on this record, and while the musicianship is superb and the counterpoint bass and guitar lines are nothing short of brilliant, the real beauty of the record is that despite the pyrotechnics, these melodic guitar phrases actually stick in your head. For example, the opening melodic staccato riff from track three is one of my favorites of the year so far. If you like technical Death, this album is clearly a must.
"Expect to be amazed." Admittedly, the production values are good but could improve, and there is a certain sameness that permeates portions of the album on repeated listens. I'm sure that Illogicist will get even better with age and will develop into a real metallic powerhouse. Perhaps there is a truly all-time classic level album in the cards. The potential appears to be limitless. I thought about giving this one five skulls, but I am going to hold back because I know the best is still yet to come. That should not stop you from checking out Subjected. Expect to be amazed.
Hel's Review:
Mmmmm…technical death…I love all styles of death metal but, hands down, technical death is my favorite of them all. By nature, it must be impeccably executed with immense skill. Illogicist does this, and does it well. Obviously, the musicians in the band are all excellent, and the songwriting is very strong.
"I found Subjected to be an extremely enjoyable album." Musically, this encapsulates everything I enjoy about death metal, in one tight package. The only way for me to find flaw with an album this striking would be to complain about the production. And I do have some small complaints about the production on this record. It seems to me that the guitars overpower the vocals, and everything else, for that matter. The drums are also somewhat hidden in the background too, but since they seem to lack a permanent drummer, perhaps this is intentional. But these are rather minor issues.
I found Subjected to be an extremely enjoyable album. Finally, something to break me out of the mediocre humdrums I’ve been in for the last few weeks. A great band that, prior to this, I had never heard of. I’m glad to have been introduced to this band, and recommend them to any fan of technical death who appreciates having a little melody along with their intricacy.
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