Communic - Conspiracy In Mind

Year of Release: 2005
Label: Nuclear Blast
Catalog Number: NB 1368-2
Format: CD
Total Time: 57:42:00

Intromental Management just keeps on releasing the monsters of metal, be it progressive, power, or otherwise. Another example of just how creative and imaginative a band can be, enter Communic. Formed by members of the band Scariot, Communic picks up where they left off, and creates a wonderful combination of Nevermore-like power metal laced with progressive elements throughout. I mention Nevermore due to the similarities in vocal styles, and in the power / thrashy attitude of the music. Communic seeks to add in a ton of melody into their sound, separating them from the obvious, and adds in a good amount of progression to keep fans of both genres happy. Their new disc Conspiracy In Mind seeks to do just that.

It's easy to hear the influences from the past couple of decades in their music, but it's also easy to hear some of the more modern day prog styles built in as well. The use of softer guitar intros, subtle keyboards, and melodic vocals keeps this band at the top of the game. Throw in some creative power ballads and this disc and band are about as well rounded as it gets. Fans of progressive metal will be thrilled to find that most of the 7 songs clock in at an average 7:00, with an 11:00 song finding its way into the mix. Fast Forward to the song "They Feed on Our Fear" and you can easily hear how this band can mix it up from a soft ballad, to power chords, to progressive chops and inject some thrash into the mix for good measure. The band takes no prisoners, asks no questions, and just slays the listener from start to finish. Another great aspect of this disc is the fact there aren't any fillers to be found throughout the almost hour-long siege of power. Click on any track and be prepared to be blown away in some fashion.

Fans of Nevermore will appreciate the sinister vocal tones of Oddleif Stenslan, who even visually resembles Warrell Dane as well as sound like him. His sinister tone, which stays in the mid-range area for most of the disc, dominates the bulk of the music but at times he pulls out some higher ranged notes and shrieks along the way. His ability to inject melody into the music is a big plus, taking out what could have been a "cold" sounding disc. The bottom end of the band pulls their weight in gold as well. Drummer Tor Atle Andersen really gives his drum kit a go for the money in a pummeling manner with lots of double bass when called for. Bassist Erik Mortensen holds down the bottom end along with Andersen in complete unison and fits well with the guitar playing of Stenslan. Emphasis overall seems to be on melodic power, with the progressive elements and thrashy undertones making appearances along the way for good measures. Not mentioned in the band credits is Peter Jensen, who played the keyboards for the disc. Peter was in the band Sinphonia.

The production is first rate and killer. Crisp, pristine sound and perfect vocal clarity dominate the entire disc, with special emphasis on the drums, which sound extremely clean and up front. Producer Jacob Hansen does a superior job of bringing out all of the instruments, and an even more wonderful job of keeping Oddleif's vocals out front with clarity, never getting lost in the powerful music surrounding him. The combination of melodies and clear, precise production put this disc in the "warm" sounding dept whereas it could have been easily lost in the cold due to the Nevermore vibe going on.

This is one of the better power / prog releases of 2005. For fans of Scariot and Nevermore, this band can't be beat. The music is powerful, creative and interesting. Fans of both power metal and progressive metal should find happy times with this disc as it not only makes you think, but it kicks your ass while you're thinking about it. Communic is a force to be reckoned with, and Intromental Management just keeps on finding monster bands like this to keep our musical habits going on a regular basis. If you're looking to be pummeled while in deep thought, look no further. Communic is here to take care of your needs. Buy or die.

Tracklisting:
Conspiracy In Mind / History Reversed / They Feed On Our Fear / Communication Sublime / The Distance / Ocean Bed / Silence Surrounds

Musicians:
Oddleif Stenslend - vocals, guitars
Tor Atle Andersen - drums
Erik Mortensen - bass

Discography:
Conspiracy In Mind (demo) (2004)
Conspiracy In Mind (2005)

Genre: Progressive-Power Metal

Origin NO

Added: May 16th 2005
Reviewer: Larry "LarryD" Daglieri

Artist website: www.communic.org
Hits: 2743
Language: english