Neshamah - Communicating in Heartbeats
Blood and Ink Records - 2005
By Adam McAuley
This album caught my attention with its diverse pallette and many often stellar moments within a primarily metalcore framework. It has a varied sound with many standout moments that one could link to bands like Isis, albeit they play at a far faster pace than that outfit, with certain peaks and elements of sonic impressiveness. Plenty of sharp hooks, time changes and catchy moments pervade the disc. Neshamah have certainly mastered the art of the breakdown. There is also an epic vibe distinctly present.
The genre has always struck me as being generic, so when an inventive band with a load of energy like these guys comes around, a sort of breath of fresh air is raised. The vocals are not a strong point here, as could be expected. Instead, it's the distinctive textures the band makes use of and their ability to change the pacing of their music just when things might appear to get uninteresting that creates such an enjoyable album. A punchy production job also enhances the sound of the album. The album is both one that someone could headbang to as well as one that someone would come back to on repeated listens and notice the complexities that are present from time to time. It's certainly more exciting and interesting than what you would normally find in the metalcore genre and has more replayability to boot.
The only downside of the album is that it doesn't stray too far from the genre's boundaries, despite being compellingly interesting. The sheer amount of variety and passion shown by these guys is more than impressive and gives them a moderate recommendation, though this certainly isn't the best disc you'll hear this year by any means.
7.5/10
Official Blood and Ink Records Website
Official Neshamah Website
Blood and Ink Records - 2005
By Adam McAuley
This album caught my attention with its diverse pallette and many often stellar moments within a primarily metalcore framework. It has a varied sound with many standout moments that one could link to bands like Isis, albeit they play at a far faster pace than that outfit, with certain peaks and elements of sonic impressiveness. Plenty of sharp hooks, time changes and catchy moments pervade the disc. Neshamah have certainly mastered the art of the breakdown. There is also an epic vibe distinctly present.
The genre has always struck me as being generic, so when an inventive band with a load of energy like these guys comes around, a sort of breath of fresh air is raised. The vocals are not a strong point here, as could be expected. Instead, it's the distinctive textures the band makes use of and their ability to change the pacing of their music just when things might appear to get uninteresting that creates such an enjoyable album. A punchy production job also enhances the sound of the album. The album is both one that someone could headbang to as well as one that someone would come back to on repeated listens and notice the complexities that are present from time to time. It's certainly more exciting and interesting than what you would normally find in the metalcore genre and has more replayability to boot.
The only downside of the album is that it doesn't stray too far from the genre's boundaries, despite being compellingly interesting. The sheer amount of variety and passion shown by these guys is more than impressive and gives them a moderate recommendation, though this certainly isn't the best disc you'll hear this year by any means.
7.5/10
Official Blood and Ink Records Website
Official Neshamah Website
