CD Review: Mindshift – “Horizon” (Eclipse Records)
Combining elements of modern metalcore, djent and
prog-metal, Horizon, the sophomore
entry from Sweden’s Mindshift, is a searing smattering of blistering riffs and
concussive drumming, capped off with stunning vocals from frontman Marcus ‘Mao’
Uggla, whose impressive ability to flip a switch and immediately transition
from clean melodic refrains to menacing lead throated barks leads Mindshift
into battle time and time again throughout Horizon
(“Arise” is a nod to Suicide Notes and
Butterfly Kisses-era Atreyu with scorching guitars, scathing vocals and
melodious hooks, the militant “Horizon” is as caustic as it is venomous, the
stomping “My Revenge” would put a smile on Memphis May Fire’s Matty Mullins’
face, the patently heavy opus “A Thousand Scars” might be the best djent track
Meshuggah never wrote). And Horizon
is more than just metal for metal’s sake – this record has a meaning. It was
penned in part in response to the ‘Charlie Hebdo attack, the brutal massacre at
the Bataclan Concert Hall and the senseless wars in the Middle East.’ While Horizon is about two-three tracks too
long (not counting instrumental opener “Origin”) and there may be times
throughout when the argument could be made that things get too djent-y for
their own good, there’s absolutely no arguing that Horizon is a striking record, one that should help to cement
Mindshift’s foothold in the U.S. metal scene.
Grade: B+
Go Download: “Eye For An Eye”
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