Sometimes there is just no point trying to hide your influences -- and
Simbiose certainly don't bother with any of that after being around
for so long. All that they seem interested in doing on _Evolution?_'s
just under half hour duration is play music they enjoy. While
they're at it, they also happen to come up with one energetic little
beast of an album that is bound to light up many a mosh pit in
Portugal, and hopefully abroad as well.Finding names such as Discharge and Extreme Noise Terror mentioned as
major influences is hardly a surprise, but there is a whole gamut of
crust, punk, grind and metallic elements on the album. Still, while
Simbiose try to keep things varied, some of their riffs suffer from an
interchangeable nature that turns out to be detrimental. This is
hardly progmetal though, so this shouldn't really be seen as much of a
problem if you like the style. Dean Jones from Extreme Noise Terror
and João "Gordo" from Ratos de Porão make worthwhile appearances in
strategically placed tracks, both of them giving the record some more
variety and appeal.
To sum things up, this is an undeniably enjoyable and passionate
album, but it brings nothing new to the table and some of the tracks
aren't very remarkable. It's an age old dilemma, and in this case it
seems to me there is clearly enough merit to justify anyone with an
interest in the genre giving _Evolution?_ a fair chance; chances are
it will win you over.