Post by jptheprofessor on May 4, 2008 21:48:06 GMT -5
SUBDUE – UNUNOCTIUM (no label) In the periodic table of the elements, ununoctium has the heaviest atomic mass of any element, and its radioactive atom is very unstable. In naming their debut CD Ununoctium, Johnstown-based heavy metal foursome Subdue hints at the heaviness and instability of their musical world. Over Ununoctium’s nine tracks, Subdue introduces a metal sound rooted in classic thrash and European-styled classical metal. Drummer Tito, bassist Beaver, and guitarists/vocalists Diggy and Shevock (who has since left the group) blend raw firepower with melody over much of the album, as rapid fire rhythms and snarling guitars establish the backdrops for Jeckyl-and-Hyde vocal stylings that range between understated melodic crooning and savage, Tazmanian Devil-styled barking. The performances are frequently busy, with turbulent drum and bass work, and ample doses of tasteful guitar shredding and finesse. Subdue best combines their sense of melody and firepower on the disc opening trio of “Falling Away,” “Forbiddance” and “Warmth.” The group leans towards the more classic side of the metal spectrum on the slower and more shadowy “Anhedonia” and the urgent “Someone Will Die,” both demonstrating a sound reminiscent of New Wave Of British Heavy Metal pioneers Diamond Head. Subdue blends thrash with a Sabbathy flavor on the title track “Ununoctium” and “Watch;” dabbles in Tool-styled prog-metal dynamics on “Free,” and unleashes a furious Slayer-styled assault on the official album closer “Orbit Nine” (followed by an acoustic ballad bonus track). The instrumental performances are constantly fiery and on the attack, with the guitars demonstrating frequent tightness and precision as they surround and infuse the rhythms. The dual-personality vocals work better on some tracks than others, with the melodic voice undermixed at times. Likewise, while the production and mix gives Subdue a jagged edge, it sounds thin in spots and could benefit from an overall deeper bass presence. But technical issues aside, Subdue convincingly conveys their heavy credentials on Ununoctium, defining the parameters of their melodic and thrashy metal terrain and laying the groundwork to explore and expand upon. (The CD can be purchased through the group's Myspace website, www.myspace.com/subduerocks.)