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Virus: Memento Collider

There is no doubting the value of Norway when it comes to its contribution towards progressive music. My latest Norwegian adventure takes the form of the band Virus, a band that I have never before heard. The three piece outfit formed around fifteen years ago and have released four albums thus far, including their latest titled Memento Collider.

Band members are Carl-Michael Eide (vocals, guitars), Petter Berntsen (bass) and Einar Sjursų (drums and cymbals).

This music is certainly hard to define and difficult to pigeonhole. It is both experimental and progressive, eschewing an almost atonal feel at times, taking three piece rock music to the outer limits of conventional structure. The guitar progressions are unusual and often dissonant having a hypnotizing effect that is really inexplicable. The bass is also very prevalent, as it winds its way through the band's sonically diverse sounds. Berntsen is no doubt an exceptional player. So, musically this band is well put together and the players have great chemistry together. However, it is the vocals that may be a deal breaker for many. Eide has a very flat and monotone delivery, sometimes taking on a narrative approach and is never in a hurry to get the words out. At first I really didn't like his style but after the second and third listen, something clicked and his voice sounded much better and seemed to be a good fit for the music.

The first track "Afield" begins with lazily struck guitar chords that let you know right away this will not be your typical rock/metal album. There is a dissonance here and an off the wall sound that will find fans among the avant prog genre. As mentioned earlier the vocals will be an acquired taste but like the music they have an hypnotic affect and suit the music well. Upon first listen I was really struck by the bass playing as it is integral to the band's sound. In "Rogue Fossil" the playing is more urgent and once again the bass line is worthy of mention. "Dripping Into Orbit" is all chaotic chords and tricky rhythms and the intense "Steamer" follows along a similar path. The album ends with "Phantom Oil Slick", another heavy grooved out slab of discordant guitar rock.

Although this might not be melodic enough for some listeners, it's hard not to appreciate forward thinking music that cannot be contained in a simplified musical box. For that, Virus are to be commended.

A Karisma Records release.

Track Listing:
1. Afield
2. Rogue Fossil
3. Dripping Into Orbit
4. Steamer
5. Gravity Seeker
6. Phantom Oil Slick

Added: July 8th 2016
Reviewer: Jon Neudorf
Score:
Related Link: Band's Official Site
Hits: 1551
Language: english

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