THE AMENTA

I remember being intrigued with debut effort "Occasus" from Australia's THE AMENTA; the unhinged blend of creepy electronics with black and death metal a unique concoction. And yet, for as much hype as the even more industrial-centered "N0N" has been getting, I'm not hearing an album that I'll be spinning for years to come. As noted in the promotional bio, each song contains over 100 recorded tracks and the album was recorded in "3 different countries and 7 different studios" with "no less than 2 drummers, 6 vocalists, and 2 bass players." It also features guest appearances from Jason Mendonca (AKERCOCKE),Alice Daquet (SIR ALICE),and Alex Pope (RUINS). That is in fact an interesting and impressive feat, but does not necessarily equate to an album for the ages.

That is not to say that "N0N" is not an overwhelmingly intense sophomore effort or that it does not stand apart, at least sound-wise, from its extreme metal peers. It only means that the lasting impact is limited to these ears, primarily because the arrangements rarely reach climax and with a few exceptions do not distinguish themselves. As a sonic and lyrical view into a hellish and chaotic world of anarchic rule and nihilistic philosophy, "N0N" succeeds. The muscular and mechanized rhythms, scathing tones, and nightmare-ride songs are nothing short of devastating, particularly when played at high volumes in a cold, dark environment. Chemical alteration of the brain surely intensifies the experience. A few songs — most notably "Spine" with it surging chorus and dissonant sounds — do stand out as memorable. Even the unsettling and bizarre exercises in noise terror (a distortion torture session called "Entropy" and the ominous electronics and spoken female vocals of "Skin") force strict attention.

Even as a grower — and this one takes several spins to absorb — the musical heights reached aren't orgasmic. "N0N" features far more good than bad, no question about it. As such, there is nothing to outright dislike and it is definitely better than average. It is just not sinking in like I had assumed it would. In that regard, I'm quite certain I'm in the minority of listeners. That's life.