Devanic Mask Industries
Self-Released May 24th, 2006
By Jason Jordan
Mask Installed Devanics EP was a competent, if not overly safe, example of melodic death metal in the vein of In Flames, Soilwork, and others. Im pleased to report that the hour-long Mask Industries, however, is a better and heavier record that doesnt abandon the melodeath roots this Austrian five-piece evidently hold in high regard. Despite it being too lengthy, theres a lot to discover and revel in here.
Upon hearing Mask Installed for the first time, it was obvious that Devanic decided to increase the heaviness, which definitely works in their favor since theres too much innocuous melodeath floating around these days. Still, much of MI is approachably melodic Strike Back, Same Shot, Reborn Again, You Will See, and many others. Occasionally the quintet will allow the bass or drums to occupy the forefront, and such techniques help keep the listeners attention. While Devanic arent overwhelmingly unique and will continue to garner comparisons to usual suspects like In Flames, Dark Tranquillity, and other Swedish cohorts, they are inventive enough not to be relegated to clone status, yet are indeed too similar to not draw warranted comparisons to those who came before them.
The production isnt perfect, though its above passable, and 58 minutes is more material than is necessary a few tracks could be cut and I wouldnt miss em but if you enjoy a solid platter of melodic death, then Mask Industries is worth a look, providing you havent overindulged in this style. If you have well, youd avoid this anyway.
Official Devanic Website
Self-Released May 24th, 2006
By Jason Jordan
Mask Installed Devanics EP was a competent, if not overly safe, example of melodic death metal in the vein of In Flames, Soilwork, and others. Im pleased to report that the hour-long Mask Industries, however, is a better and heavier record that doesnt abandon the melodeath roots this Austrian five-piece evidently hold in high regard. Despite it being too lengthy, theres a lot to discover and revel in here.
Upon hearing Mask Installed for the first time, it was obvious that Devanic decided to increase the heaviness, which definitely works in their favor since theres too much innocuous melodeath floating around these days. Still, much of MI is approachably melodic Strike Back, Same Shot, Reborn Again, You Will See, and many others. Occasionally the quintet will allow the bass or drums to occupy the forefront, and such techniques help keep the listeners attention. While Devanic arent overwhelmingly unique and will continue to garner comparisons to usual suspects like In Flames, Dark Tranquillity, and other Swedish cohorts, they are inventive enough not to be relegated to clone status, yet are indeed too similar to not draw warranted comparisons to those who came before them.
The production isnt perfect, though its above passable, and 58 minutes is more material than is necessary a few tracks could be cut and I wouldnt miss em but if you enjoy a solid platter of melodic death, then Mask Industries is worth a look, providing you havent overindulged in this style. If you have well, youd avoid this anyway.
Official Devanic Website
