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Mnemic: Passenger
The past few years have been interesting and tumultuous in the world of the band Mnemic and that is an understatement right off the bat. The events of their recent past was almost as chaotic as some of the music they deliver night after night and with the new release Passenger, they are showing that strength can come from hurtles and pitfalls and often give sway to a stronger and more focused entity. With the new release the band introduces the listener to the talents of their new lead singer Guillaume Bideau (formerly of the band Scarve). As tracks like "In Control" and "Stuck Here" lay the slam down - you come to realize that a perfect candidate is finally in the role. Bideau joins the band replacing Tony Jelencovich, who toured with them on the Meshuggah and Arch Enemy jaunts. It has been quoted that he is the singer who should have been in the band from the very start. He does a great job on his own debut in the band and truly seems more a contributor to their branded Future Fusion Metal. If you are unsure of what "Future Fusion Metal" actually is and sounds like then you need look no further than Mnemic, for it is an amalgam of Industrial, twisted syncopations and riffs along with an angry and in your face brand of Metal. Passenger also comes to life after several years of straight touring and this seems to have helped the band grow in the musical sense as well. Having seen them live with each of their singers I always knew they could play but on this recording this is a tightness that you feel on every track. They admit a fondness for Meshuggah and their influence - but when Mnemic does what they do it is not merely as some clone of the Swedish technical Metal giants. This is a crunching and brutal slab of Industrial Metal that pays homage to ones inspirations but does not come at the cost of any individuality.
While an intense listen at more times than it is not, there is a strong use of melodic vocals across the piece and I liked this input for it works well in compliment to the growling and screaming that they also employ. If you are a fan of odd-time signature changes and experimentation with different aspects of the groove then I think its time you checked out Mnemic. This kind of activity is so present that they borderline on the Progressive side. Bideau joins the lineup of Mircea (guitars), Obeast (bass), Brylle (drums), and Rune (guitar) and together you get a solid Metal one-two punch. The power on this release should enable Mnemic to claw its way out of the underground scene a little more and lead new legions of Metal acolytes forward into the future of the genre and its possibilities. For this journey the band can drive and we can remain the "Passenger". Strap yourself in folks.
Track Listing
1. Humanaut
2. In The Nothingness Black
3. Meaningless
4. Psykogasm
5. PigFuck
6. In Control
7. Electric I'd Hypocrisy
8. Stuck Here
9. What's Left
10. Shape Of The Formless
11. The Eye On Your Back
Added: January 21st 2007 Reviewer: Ken Pierce Score: Related Link: Mnemic Website Hits: 4403 Language: english
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Mnemic: Passenger Posted by Butch Jones, SoT Staff Writer on 2007-01-21 08:20:24 My Score:
Ah, the Danish Metal gods Mnemic, return with their first new CD, Passenger (Nuclear Blast) since 2004's The Audio Injected Soul. One of my personal favorite bands of the past few years, Mnenic does not disappoint after making us all wait 3 years for this CD. A band known for their vocalist changes, 3 in the past 3 years, Mnenic unveil their newest singer, Guillaume Bideau, formerly of the band Scarve, on Passenger. A new singer, but the same brutal Mnemic, with a twist.
Passenger, produced by Fear Factory's Christian Olde Wolbers and mixed by fellow Danish countrymen and former producer, Tue Madsen, is another aural experience that only Mnemic could pull off. Great production and tonality. This CD is loud and everything jumps out at you from all over the sonic spectrum. New vocalist, Guillaume, screams and shouts like a tortured soul all over this CD, which at first listen is kind of annoying. Fans of Mnemic are more familiar with former singer, Michael, who was a bit more restrained, but Guillaume's gut wrenching howls are something that you do get used to. But man, he does scream a lot. Almost sounds like he's going spit his own tongue out at times!!
Passenger shows Mnemic at an all time level of confidence. A swagger that has produced a bombastic gem, as well as dare I say, a more melodic end result. "In The Nothingness Black" is a great example of this new found melody, equipped with a twin guitar assault attack. Pulsating and heavy with hooks! Singer Guillaume has brought a great melodic sense to the band and the immediate results are found within. "Meaningless" is another great example which was co-written with Guitarist/Producer extraordinaire Roy Z (Bruce Dickinson, Halford, Judas Priest) who also lends the guitar solo. Who said melody was a bad thing? Mnemic have not forgotten their technicality or creativity for what they are known for. Check out the romping "Psykorgasm" and "Electric I'd Hypocrisy" for your forceful intensity needs. Also making guest vocalist appearances on "Passenger" are Jeff Walker ( Carcass, Brujeria) and Shane Embury (Napalm Death, Brujeria)
Mnemic have been a very consistent band, thus far. The dual guitars of Rune and Mircea and the volatile drumming of Brylle are still the focal point of what makes Mnemic, Mnemic. The musical intensity of Mnemic comes through loud and clear with the release of Passenger. Mnemic are undeniably a force to be reckoned with. Strap in and let the boys of Mnemic take you on a wild, unsettling ride through the senses of sonic pleasure.
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