Incura: Incura

The self titled debut album from Canadian Progressive, ArtRock, Theatrical, Modern Metal outfit Incura gained many admiring glances last year when it first emerged in the band's home country of Canada. It might have taken almost a year exactly for InsideOut to pick up on the vibe but the Prog label giants now offer Incura and their first full length (an EP appeared as early as 2003!) a second bite at a day in the sun. So if I-O are sitting up and taking notice, then that would suggest that we should too, doesn't it? And so it proves, with this resolutely difficult to categorise effort offering a true slice of variety, both through its eclecticism and its stagey nature. Singer Kyle Gruninger takes much of the credit for the latter aspect, with a Freddie Mercury meets Mika howling scream of manic mayhem that will split opinions down the middle. Love or hate, you won't be able to ignore him as his vocals attack the senses amid equally uncompromising guitar scythings and drums cascades. The results veer wildly, laying waste to all in its path, with an unbridled energy and a glint of devil may care in the eye. Will it all be too much for some? Oh, there's absolutely no doubt about it, although those who "get it" will probably become crazed doe eyed devotees immediately.

In the cold light of day, some of the excesses here are hugely self indulgent and anyone looking for a more "expected" Prog release from Inside-Out may well leave a trail of fear behind them that you'll smell from quite a distance away. The churn of Dresden Dolls meets Exit International, My Chemical Romance and Leprous via Supertramp on speed. It's in your face, covering you in phlegm and spittle from the off. By the time your through, be prepared for a thorough drenching. Whether you'll gleefully, yet guiltily (and disgustingly) lap it up, or feel the need to cleanse the soul and, of course, your face, will be a close run thing. "Decide" is a great example of how to turn eleven up to thirteen, with guitars crunching, drums ka-booming, bass stretching and snapping, while the vocals press the button for the top floor, before crashing through the roof. "Here To Blame" makes it look tame. Still, truth to be told, the slightly more focused "Breathe This" is actually all the more effective, a keyboard layer bringing a little more sanity to the party, but just a smidge.

Incura have lofty ambitions, that they (mostly) meet them is impressive. As is this debut.

Track Listing
1. Get The Gun
2. I Breathe This
3. I'm Here Waiting
4. Who You Are
5. Turning Blue
6. Decide
7. Here To Blame
8. The Greatest Con
9. I'd Give Anything
10. Sweat Runs Cold

Added: February 21st 2014
Reviewer: Steven Reid
Score:
Related Link: Incura Online
Hits: 1883
Language: english

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