Biomechanical - The Empires Of The Worlds


Year of Release: 2005
Label: Elitist Records/Earache
Catalog Number: n/a
Format: CD
Total Time: 00:00:00

Evaluation:

What is it?

The cover art concept validates the band name ? the umbilical joining of organism and mechanism. Arcane song titles and disenfranchised "tough-guy" stances round out the package, promising industrial-strength music from rather pasty-looking gentlemen? Unfortunately no artwork or packaging was provided, but the cover picture of the promo shows the band in unfortunately adolescent attire....

Analysis:

What it is:

This disc has been described as Judas Priest meets Pantera, and while these reference points have some validity, they fail to provide more than a superficial description of the music. More melodic than Pantera, heavier than Priest, and more progressive than power, The Empires Of The Worlds mixes a myriad of influences ranging from Strapping Young Lad (vocals), to Atheist (guitar solos), and incorporates keyboard orchestrations in a unique manner (unique for this type of music), resulting in a relentless, dense, swirling vortex of sound.

Vocals: John K. demonstrates power and aggression consistently, and occasionally hints at melodicism and restraint. His delivery will be compared to Rob Halford's due to the high-pitched screams that permeate, but I find similarities between the celebrated Mr. K. and Carl Albert from Vicious Rumors, and the vocalist from an obscure hard-rock band from the early 90s called T-Ride. He possesses a lower range and powerful delivery akin to Devin Townsend's, particularly when he allows his voice to hold a note. Effects are sprinkled liberally (albeit musically) across his efforts, adding another dimension to the sound, and helping to lift the songs from the mire of hardcore ranting that he seems to fall into too often. My main criticism with the vocals is that in the pursuit of aggression, musicality suffers. I have said it before and I'll say it again: "heaviness and aggression are in the intent and are delivered most readily through harmonic and melodic..."

Guitars: Tight, razor-sharp, meticulously recorded, and completely, mechanically devoid of identity or harmonic content - a perfect foil for the vocals, providing a stark rhythmic counterpoint. Solos are highly technical, hyper-speed, double-picked linear excursions culminating in oblique, frantic soliloquy?.

Bass: Plays a supporting role, doubling integral riffs and adding depth to the bottom-heavy punch delivered by the drums ? there isn't room for anything much else!

Drums: Hoglan-inspired double-bass work meets Lombardo-esque execution. Absolutely metronomic and superbly crafted parts that propel the music along at break-neck pace.

Keyboards: Devilishly clever orchestrations add a sophisticated edge and harmonic depth ... critical to music that relies primarily on its rhythmic impact for propulsion. The keys introduce an air of intensity that only harmonic movement can induce. Biomechanical have very successfully integrated this into their sound ala Symbyosis, a prog-death band from France.

Rating: 4.25/5 (Unfortunately, as is the wont of most record companies, the reviewer was not provided with artwork or lyrics, and the tracks are subdivided - ostensibly to prevent ripping - rendering critical listening impossible).

Excellent: original compositions and pristine production values; musically mature and/or sophisticated; achieves balance between musical and lyrical intent versus stated goals

Summary: Biomechanical have created a prog/power metal benchmark....

Standout tracks: See comments in parentheses.


Tracklisting:
Enemy Within / The Empires Of The Worlds / Assaulter / Relinquished Destiny / Long Time Dead / Regenerated / DNA Metastesis / Survival / Existenz / Truth Denied / Absolution: Part 1 - Final Offence / Absolution: Part 2 - From The Abyss / Absolution: Part 3 - Absolution / Absolution: Part 4 - Disintegration

Musicians:
John K (Yiannis Koutselinis) - vocals, keyboards
Chris Webb - guitars
Jamie Hunt - guitars
Jon Collins - bass
Matt C. - drums

Discography:
Distorted (demo) (2001)
Eight Moons (2002)
The Empires Of The Worlds (2005)

Genre: Progressive-Power Metal

Origin UK

Added: May 16th 2005
Reviewer: Jan-Mikael Erakare
Score:
Artist website: www.biomechanical.co.uk
Hits: 2070
Language: english

  

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