Hailing from my home away from home Denmark,
Mnemic are more than just your average Fear Factory worshipping Industrial Metal band. Last year's debut "Mechanical
Spin Phenomena" made a huge impression on the scene and was a very apt introduction to the futuristic mindset that
Mnemic prefer to dwell. While their previous release didn't make a huge impression on me, I feel that The Audio Injected Soul has struck a chord, most likely through its apparent musical progression towards a stronger use of Melody and catchy choruses and refrains.
Foundationally routed in thrash riffing, the music of
Mnemic is given its Industrial edge through the heavy usage of electronic samples and futuristic keyboard arrangements. While the Fear Factory influence is very apparent, I hear more of a progressive tinged Strapping Young Lad/Soilwork kind of thing taking place.
Mnemic have embraced their influences without committing any sort of blind mimicry, and that is something to be celebrated in this day and age of copycats and copouts.
The word "progressive" seems to be fitting in more ways then one. Aside from the random insertion of odd time signatures and changes,
Mnemic have found a way to draw from the bands that have inspired them while "progressing" the themes, concepts, and musical idealisms that loosely characterize the genre.
The emphasis on the creation of the songs using melody and technical rhythms is very much appreciated, as they bring forth a new stage of maturity and writing credibility that I didn't sense with their debut. This is noticeable particularly within the choral delivery and presentation of the arrangements. Singer Michael Bogballe has managed to hone his vocals to a higher and more listenable plane, with his usage of soaring harmonies and "Speed Strid" like screams. I have found myself extraordinarily fond of the chorus in the leadoff track "Dreamstate Emergency." This is actually one of the best examples of the dramatic improvement between the two albums, both with the increased usage of melody and song writing expertise.
One of the albums weak points is its lack of guitar harmonies and leads. It seems as though the guitars are routed primarily within the rhythms, which is fine for the fans who are more into the technical part of the audio spectrum. This doesn't quite cut it for me though, but luckily the near perfect vocals make up for it. I still feel that The Audio Injected Soul could have gotten a much higher rating if it included more guitar leads and maybe some solos here and there.
The way I see it, this album is a step in the right direction for
Mnemic. With a powerful production, an original and fresh approach, and ten catchy and memorable tunes (including a cover of Duran Duran's "Wild Boys"), these five Danes are set to take the Metal world by storm.
Written by
Jonah Sunday, January 9, 2005
Show all reviews by JonahRatingsJonah: 7.5/10Members: No members have rated this album yet.
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