Defying: Nexus Artificial

Defying, interesting band name by the way, is a progressive metal band from Poland, a veritable hotbed of progressive music these days. The players include Piotr Stepiński (vocals, guitars), Rafal Warniello (solo guitar), Pawel Siemaszko (bass) and Tomasz Semeniuk (drums, sampling). Natalia Szalaj provides guest vocals on a couple tracks.

The band formed in 2008 and have released some demos prior to this, their brand new debut Nexus Artificial.

Like much of the metal coming out of Poland, Defying's music is laden with moody atmospherics and intense soundscapes. There is definitely a post rock/metal vibe in the instrumental sections as the band make great use of samples and guitar effects. The album's first track "Démiourgós" is a prime example. Subtle effects build in intensity creating a moody atmosphere and the spoken word samples only add to the ambience. When we hear the repeating words "we're not alone in the universe" the album's concept becomes more clear tackling the question of how the human race came into existence. Perhaps an alien race planted the seed and if so, what was their purpose? It is a cool science fiction concept and fits well within the prog genre. The next track "Newborn Sun" is one of the best tunes on the disc. Clean opening guitar notes and crisp drums forms the intro and as the music builds heavier atmospheres unfold. Doomy guitar chords and deeply growled vocals, subtly enhanced, add that much more to the moodiness of the piece. I really dig how the band transitions between quieter ambient sections and heavier guitar parts. The higher pitched guitar effects are also very well done. In "Portraits" ethereal guitar work and intense vocals lead into an almost mid-tempo Floydian soundscape of guitar and moody effects. "Prayers" offers another densely atmospheric intro with an underlying intensity brewing just below the surface before breaking through with heavy doomy guitar riffs and deep growls. "Mismatch" offers a nice mix of distorted guitar and eastern accents. The ensuing jam has a bit of a stoner feel. The rest of the album is excellent as well with not one bad track in the bunch.

Defying is certainly a band to watch out for. The playing and production is top notch and the combination of post rock and metal makes for an intoxicating listen. Highly recommended.

Track Listing:
1. Démiourgós
2. Newborn Sun
3. Portraits
4. Prayers
5. Mismatch
6. Imitation
7. Ningma
8. Anaesthesia
9. Suppression
10. Ab Originis

Added: June 27th 2014
Reviewer: Jon Neudorf
Score:
Related Link: Band's Official Site
Hits: 4505
Language: english

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