Collusion
Warrington based Collusion recently dropped us a line about their Stenchoid EP, to see what we thought about their take on Progressive style metal. Formed in 2003 originally, the band have already gone through their fair share of ups and downs, with Mike leaving for a couple of years to join forces with The Ocean Collective, before finally reuniting the band in 2009. Having gotten back together, they’ve worked to refine their sound, develop their approach, and a new depth for the band to move forwards. The result, the 4 track EP I see before me, so I hit play to see what was on offer!
Opening with Chronos we’re treated to an off beat and interesting opening to things, a bass line being the focus for the opening moments as the track begins to grow around you. As the guitars come into being fully the full force of the track is realised and everything suddenly makes sense, the distorted guitars matched by a combination of roaring vocals, and contrasted by a soft and soaring vocal line at other times. This combination of different effects and approaches leads to the track becoming something which is anything but simple, instead incorporating a sense of depth and progression, a sense that the music is telling a story and asking you to go along for the ride with them. Not following convention at any stage, I like the approach that the band have gone for here, the result is a track which is interesting, different and full of moments which will sit you back and make you take note of what you’re hearing.
Seamus continues this idea, once again opening with a focus on the bass line as the track begins to grow around you, incorporating the drums for depth, and the layered vocals for a further sense of melody and interest. This ability to layer different effects is something which stands this track out once again, marking the band as one that doesn’t need fancy effects or a massive producer to generate sterling results, instead relying on their own musical ability to craft tracks which seem to explode around you, engulfing you in different layers of technical mastery. I love the twists and turns which this track presents, each one coming as a little demonstration of what the band has on offer, almost showcasing the different members and showing that each deserves their place in the line up. Moving on to Biggus Riffus the tone seems to shift slightly, moving to a darker place where the guitar lines steal the show whilst the bass sets the tone of things. This darkened approach leads to this track standing out as a serious high point on the EP, and one which I would highly recommend you check out if you get a chance, it’s got that power which is going to stand the band in good stead, the melody which will connect with people and the heavy darkness which will appeal to fans of the heavier side of things. Standing out as my personal favourite, this track brings about one word in my mind – wow, a great track for sure.
Closing with title track Stenchoid, the band finish the EP on a more conventional note, hammering out a track which fits the guidelines of progressive style metal, leaving you with no doubt that they know what they’re doing, and can do it damned well when they so choose! This final track may soften slightly in comparison to the previous one, yet there’s still a hell of a punch in store here, and a closing track which does what it should, leaves you wanting more and the door open for the next chapter which is to follow.
Now, whilst this is a 4 track EP, there’s not a track less than 15 minutes long on the EP, meaning you’re getting 4 tracks of incredible length, form and development. Each one tells a story, guides you through the motions and leaves you wondering how you hadn’t heard of this band before now. Accomplished seems appropriate, yet at the same time doesn’t come close to the sound of Collusion, they’re a band who have refined their craft and as a result, have produced an EP of epic proportions. In short, this is a band that you need to hear, and see if given the chance – definitely one to watch out for.
You can check out Collusion for yourself and get hold of their music at http://www.collusionmerch.bigcartel.com/ and check out their Facebook page HERE.
Words: Dave Nicholls
Opening with Chronos we’re treated to an off beat and interesting opening to things, a bass line being the focus for the opening moments as the track begins to grow around you. As the guitars come into being fully the full force of the track is realised and everything suddenly makes sense, the distorted guitars matched by a combination of roaring vocals, and contrasted by a soft and soaring vocal line at other times. This combination of different effects and approaches leads to the track becoming something which is anything but simple, instead incorporating a sense of depth and progression, a sense that the music is telling a story and asking you to go along for the ride with them. Not following convention at any stage, I like the approach that the band have gone for here, the result is a track which is interesting, different and full of moments which will sit you back and make you take note of what you’re hearing.
Seamus continues this idea, once again opening with a focus on the bass line as the track begins to grow around you, incorporating the drums for depth, and the layered vocals for a further sense of melody and interest. This ability to layer different effects is something which stands this track out once again, marking the band as one that doesn’t need fancy effects or a massive producer to generate sterling results, instead relying on their own musical ability to craft tracks which seem to explode around you, engulfing you in different layers of technical mastery. I love the twists and turns which this track presents, each one coming as a little demonstration of what the band has on offer, almost showcasing the different members and showing that each deserves their place in the line up. Moving on to Biggus Riffus the tone seems to shift slightly, moving to a darker place where the guitar lines steal the show whilst the bass sets the tone of things. This darkened approach leads to this track standing out as a serious high point on the EP, and one which I would highly recommend you check out if you get a chance, it’s got that power which is going to stand the band in good stead, the melody which will connect with people and the heavy darkness which will appeal to fans of the heavier side of things. Standing out as my personal favourite, this track brings about one word in my mind – wow, a great track for sure.
Closing with title track Stenchoid, the band finish the EP on a more conventional note, hammering out a track which fits the guidelines of progressive style metal, leaving you with no doubt that they know what they’re doing, and can do it damned well when they so choose! This final track may soften slightly in comparison to the previous one, yet there’s still a hell of a punch in store here, and a closing track which does what it should, leaves you wanting more and the door open for the next chapter which is to follow.
Now, whilst this is a 4 track EP, there’s not a track less than 15 minutes long on the EP, meaning you’re getting 4 tracks of incredible length, form and development. Each one tells a story, guides you through the motions and leaves you wondering how you hadn’t heard of this band before now. Accomplished seems appropriate, yet at the same time doesn’t come close to the sound of Collusion, they’re a band who have refined their craft and as a result, have produced an EP of epic proportions. In short, this is a band that you need to hear, and see if given the chance – definitely one to watch out for.
You can check out Collusion for yourself and get hold of their music at http://www.collusionmerch.bigcartel.com/ and check out their Facebook page HERE.
Words: Dave Nicholls