Innerscars

Another tripped out affair from the eclectic Cruz Del Sur camp. I haven’t been a wrap for everything the Italian label has thrown my way (Ensoph and Eternal Flight) but with quality like Pharaoh, Mahavatar and the forthcoming Slough Feg, CDS is certainly forging a healthy roster. Sticking closer to home this time, they offer up the new disc from local lads (and lass) ‘Lifend’ entitled ‘Innerscars’. True to their philosophy of seeking out the more experimental genre-bending bands, Lifend presents the listener with more than your average metal fare.

Formed in 1999 out of the ashes of Haternal and Mourningstar, Lifend is a rather intriguing, if slightly frustrating quintet that opt for the more unorthodox road in terms of musical style. Fusing a multitude of influences that results in a sonically challenging set of compositions, Lifend are one part Gothic dark wave meets death metal meets ethic folk, jazz electronica. It’s all extremely adventurous and whilst it never really gels into anything mind blowing, it is clear that the word ‘predictability’ isn’t in their dictionary.

Initially, one could be forgiven for passing this off some sort of standard Black Gothic metal, and the assumption is correct based on Lifend’s instrumental template of harsh, blast like rhythms and guttural vocals. Yet, with further analysis ‘Innerscars’ is all about presenting a constant dichotomy of styles. Just when you think you’ve got the band figured out, the angelic and haunting female vocals of Sara will take you on a different ride, as will the presence of highly melodic elements that include serene acoustic passages, well-placed Hammond organ and the saxophone!! Be certain, Lifend refuses to be tied down in the one style for too long – as a result, this album is a constant, ever changing affair.

Now, while I will continue to applaud metal acts that push the boundaries, I’m not convinced that Lifend are actually doing anything remotely original. Plenty of dark metal/gothic metal bands have attempted the harsh/quiet vocalist interplay – Lifend’s attempts are most admirable, and with the somewhat unpredictable guitar riffage, there is potential here – however, Lifend’s major problem comes down to being too smart by half. In the attempt to host a menagerie of influences in their music, most of ‘Innerscars becomes a convoluted, jumbled mess. Add to that the confused and overbearing production and things quickly become more than one can handle. They’ve tried just a tad too hard in my eyes.

Instead of a meeting of influences to create a smooth and satisfying set of compositions, ‘Innerscars’ is a more like a violent clash of styles put through a blender in the hope that the final mix is something palatable. There are moments on this disc where you can almost sense the band and its production team (Alex Krull@ Mastersound) working its hardest on trying to stop the whirlwind of influences from spiraling out of control. As stated earlier, they only get it half right.

‘Innerscars’ is anything but predictable. This is a good thing. It is a pity that the average song writing and overall production qualities haven’t allowed Lifend to fully realize their ideas. Some definite refinement is needed next time around. One word review: Convoluted.

Krozza: written for www.pyromusic.net and www.wallsoffire.de