Mindrage / Nailed Promis - split cd (2001)
One of the newest additions to the growing roster on Pluto Records is this much anticipated split from two bands that practically disappeared after their debut albums a few years back. Mindrage is up first
cranking out four new songs that find them exploring some new directions. Though I would still say they deserve the metalcore label, the guitars are a bit thinner than what I expected. There is definitely more of a melodic element
to the music, with the wah pedal creeping in every now and then, but the multiple guitar parts still maintain the Eso-Charis type dissonance throughout. The drums are a back a little further in the mix as well, but there are still
plenty of double kicks to keep the metal alive. Ever since I first heard these guys live before they were signed, I thought they had some of the best metal vocals around. I still think that, but their recordings have yet to support
my claim (except for their cassette-only demo that, arguably, contains some of their best material). As was the case with the previous full-length, the production is really not bad, but the energy these guys are capable of is just
not present. I really can't put my finger on it, but it just seems that they have the capability of greatness but somehow haven't discovered how to capture it yet. Nonetheless, Mindrage is a decent three piece, maybe not great yet,
and I still enjoy what they put out. Hopefully, they will stick around long enough to substantiate my belief in their potential. The last four tracks, delivered by Nailed Promise, surprised me with the amount of metal influences
they have incorporated into their song structures. The overall sound and mix is not unlike their full-length on Rescue, but the vocals are a bit more varied this time around. Still maintaining the screams and spoken words, there is
a good deal of clean vocals that surface (which seems to be the 'new thing' in metal) which I have mixed feelings about. I'm still not sure if they really work or not. One thing that has always bothered me about this band is the
fact that their lyrics, though being straight-up and bold (which I totally respect), are often delivered in a way that just strike me as being cheesy. At times, I feel the same about the music as well. But, maybe it's just me.
Overall, if you've liked anything either of these bands have done in the past, then you
will definitely want to get your hands on this one. Otherwise, if you're a fan of the fewleftstanding and/or new Living Sacrifice sound, I
would suggest giving it a listen before rushing out to buy it. -- Review by Jason