Review Summary: Not your average Nu-Metal...
In 2000 a little known band comprised of all First Nations Aboriginal guys from Saskatchewan, Canada released an album called Songs For Dying Nations. It gained some popularity in Canada due to significant radioplay from various radio stations and music video channel MuchMusic. And gradually it faded away and the band would go on years later to release a sophomore effort which was bland, generic and unappealing even to the bands small fanbase.
It should be noted that this album is a split between nu-metal and hard rock, and when I was 13 ten years ago it appealed to me due to its honesty and sincerity. There was something unique and different about this band which sets them apart from nu-metal bands like Slipknot and POD. The lyrics didn't try and cater to that false anger and aggression that these bands fed to the masses. Instead, they focus on subjects such as bringing us closer to nature and remembering the roots of where we came from, caring for the earth etc.
The first song and second single Disease, opens fast and heavy and the drums are compelling, the guitar work simple yet effective, and the vocals powerful and driving. The song has an odd time signature and this adds to the overall complexity of the song.
Next single Who Am I, is noticeably slower and less complex. The guitars are almost generic and watered down. The only thing driving the song is lead singer Marty's vocals. Noticeably tortured and fantastic lyrically, the vocals lend some excellence to the song where the rest of the instrumentation is almost unnoticeable.
Without doing a track-by-track review, the songs end up being a mix of slower verses and faster choruses. Breach of Trust use the same drop d/c chords that most 'heavy' bands were using back at the turn of the century but for the most part manage to keep things fresh with some interesting lead guitar work. There are no solos or flashy technical scales from guitarist Colin, yet he effectively uses certain effects to spice up the otherwise moderate chords from rhythm guitarist and vocalist Marty. The music can tend to be boring at times such as in the verses of Empty. However by the end of the cd, we reach Complicated, arguably the bands best song and most emotionally compelling. Everything about this song from the clean tone of the guitar in the verse to the heavy distortion of the chorus and the powerful vocals make this song a must listen (the video is intense as well). Its kinda sad this band has fallen of the face of the planet since their debut but if you have soft spot for a limited amount of nu-metal/hard rock in your heart, this album is worth checking out. Its not the greatest record you'll ever hear, but its certainly not your average nu-metal.
