Before we get in to a review of Emergence by Neuronspoiler, a snippet of news all us “traditional” NWOBHM types will like……have an email that the rather tremendous Vardis are back with an album due. Have been offered a review copy so that’s something to look forward to.
But that’s not what this post is about. What it is about is a review of an album entitled Emergence by a new band (to me at least) named Neuronspolier. Asked to review, very happy to do so as it’s a bit of a cracker. I’d say a bit of classic era Iron Maiden, Judas Priest and Praying Mantis blended together with an up to date twist. The guitar interplay is excellent indeed and downright brutal in places.
Now being an ignorant old cynic I half jumped to a conclusion that Neuronspolier would be another “nu metal” band to send me to snoreseville before the first track had properly begun. Now I must chastise myself and report it did not do anything of the sort. Sure, the first play I was a bit unsure though after three or four listens it grew on me significantly and now gets a double thumbs up.
Emergence is a towering wall of sound – but a very well put together skilful one with crafted heavy metal which both crunches away and pleases with the musicianship and the first class six string histrionics (the rest of the band is good too, not just the shredders). All the way through the ten cuts the listener is engaged by what’s going on and it’s surprisingly intricate too sonically.
Riffs cruuuunh, solos wail, vocals soar, drum and bass pound. But melodically too. Certainly not in yer face for the sake of it and hope the noise factor will cover up musical short comings. Oh no. These boys have the “chops” too.
Take the Stage for example (latest single) is rather anthemic in nature – a rousing tale of guess what – playing live. You’ll be shouting along with the huge chorus fist aloft. Each listen prior to writing this found me ears discovering more to enjoy. The killer cut being Dying Worlds – a seven minute twisting and turning journey of time changes, rousing chord structures and clever soloing.
Indeed, the entire album is in a similar vein. Turned me from cynic to blown away. Yes, I think it’s that good.
Apparently I’m far from the only one. The press release accompanying my review copy includes the following para which I am in full agreement with:
“The legendary rock and metal journalist Malcolm Dome has also praised the band, he recently put them in a list of bands which could transform your life in the next 12 months, and said of them that “they can really play” and that “there are truly rich passages of guitar interplay” in their music.”
There’s more than enough here to keep any heavy metal/rock fan happy be it an old NWOBHM fan like me or the younger (by that I mean more modern….HA HA) metal fan.
I urge you to check out Neuronspolier and if you have a few shekels to spare then download a few MP3s or bag yourself a CD. You can do both and learn more about the band through the links below:
Listen to the track here: http://neuronspoiler.bandcamp.com/track/take-the-stage
Neuronspoiler website: http://www.neuronspoiler.com
Hopefully soon – a review of the new Vardis output.