CoC : Neocrima - Indifference's Deadly : Review

Neocrima - _Indifference's Deadly_
by: Brian Meloon (3 out of 5)

Neocrima is a band from Kyrgyzstan who play what they like to call "technical melodic death metal". I'd avoid using the word "technical" to describe them, and "death metal" may be a little bit of a stretch, but it's definitely both melodic and metal. A good reference point would be Ablaze My Sorrow's first album or the first few Dark Tranquility albums, though Neocrima's songs are simpler, and the production is understandably inferior. Each of the songs has at its base metal riffs which are similar to the Gothenburg sound. However, the band broaden their sound with a variety of different styles, including female vocals on two tracks (think "The Gathering"), and some sparingly-used keyboards and acoustic/softer sections. I hear some definite rock influence in their riffs and their music is generally slow-to-mid paced. They also have a slight industrial tinge to some sections, though this is more likely due to the over-distorted guitar tone and mechanical precision with which they're played. Unfortunately, they haven't integrated their ideas into a coherent, distinctive style yet, as many of the sections have me thinking "hey, that sounds like...". Overall, this is a decent first effort, and I hope they learn from it and define and develop their own sound with their subsequent releases.

Contact: neocrima@hotmail.kg

(article published 12/8/2001)