CoC : Theory in Practice - The Armageddon Theories : Review

Theory in Practice - _The Armageddon Theories_
(Pulverised, 1999)
by: Alvin Wee (8 out of 10)

I'm usually put off by excessive "progression" or technical elements in music: I see it as a poor excuse for poorly written melodies. There are instances, however, when such can be forgiven, even welcomed, as in the case of TiP's brand of highly technical thrash. Twisted, disharmonic bludgeoning segue seamlessly into incendiary solos, painting upon a mystical canvas a trans-dimensional soundscape, complex and entrancing. I must admit, I'd first approached this band with a distinct distaste brought about by reviews of their earlier work on the label. It would be unfair to say my first listen wasn't without unpleasantness, but subsequent efforts did the job of exposing my rash judgement. Only a short-sighted reviewer would brand the music pure progressive thrash a la Meshuggah; a distinct black metal influence pervades the entire album, not so much a concrete sequence of riffs or melodies, but more a subliminal suggestion latent in the structure midway through "Departure" or the opening of "Dehumanised". To pull off the barrage of convoluted riffage and the numerous blazing leads as smoothly as these boys do is no mean feat, and TiP display no lack of the innate ability and honed virtuosity needed to produce and perform such. I may be no expert in the genre, and no doubt some others will probably find more in this than I can, but suffice it to say that _TAT_ is good enough to tear this purist from his old-school cravings for a time, at least.

(article published 12/10/1999)

ALBUMS
3/7/2002	D Rocher	9	Theory in Practice - Colonizing the Sun
5/3/2000	B Meloon	9	Theory in Practice - The Armageddon Theories
12/8/1997	B Meloon	7.5	Theory in Practice - Third Eye Function