Mnemic's SONS OF THE SYSTEM

The more things change, the more things stay the same.

A saying that couldn't ring more true for the latest offering from Danish Industrial Metal quintet Mnemic. At first listen this is so far removed from earlier releases "The Audio Injected Soul" and "Passenger" yet the key identifiers are still present in Mnemic's recipe. Moving from the nu-metal/thrash and mass sampled mix in "The Audio Injected Soul" to a more eclectic progression of industrial metal that grabs you by the balls all whilst soaring and taking you to new heights musically.

Finally hitting the nail on the head with singer Guillaume Bideau (ex-Scarve) as his voice blends in with the sonic assault of the rest of the band in a way that Michael Bögballe never could. Fans of Mnemic's earlier works can rest assured that "Sons of the System" does in no way abandon their already established fierce brutality - they have built the foundation with "Audio Injected Soul" and here they present to us all "Sons of the System", the laying of the final brick on the mantlepiece.

"Sons of the System" stands strong not only as a complete album but with each song standing as complete self sustaining entities. Still not wavering from their already developed style of Industrial/Extreme Metal in tracks 'Sons of the System' and 'Mnightmare', even 'Diesel Uterus' containing what seems like a brief riff/vocal homage to labelmates Meshuggah. Whereas tracks like 'Elongated Sporatic Bursts' and 'Orbiting' absolutely soar with Bideau's vocals and the faint theatrical-like keys/synth peak towards the point where this release is sure to make even Mr Devin Townsend crack a smile.

Theatrical? eclectic? Extreme? There is no pinpointing this album.

It's a refreshingly great way to start out 2010 so be sure to pick it up when it hits the stands in mid-January.

For Fans of: Meshuggah, Devin Townsend, Strapping Young Lad.
Overall Rating: 8.5/10
Best Track: Mnightmare

Album: Sons Of The System
Year: 2009
Label: Riot Entertainment (www.riotact.com.au)