Paindivision - One Path (Album)
A copy of Paindivision’s latest and second release One Path has nestled itself in my hot little hands. To be honest, I chose this review by accident; I though I was reviewing Painmuseum, so I was kind of struck when it arrived. Don’t get me wrong, I love my heavy metal, and perhaps we can put it down to poor marketing that this band has never caught my eye.
The metal music scene is a multi billion dollar industry, and in places like Japan, Germany and other parts of Europe they have a peculiar way about themselves when it comes to music. I liked it so much that I have adopted their custom in my introduction to new bands. We actually listen to the music last. Prior to that, we study the album and artwork, and then research the band and its influences. Hearing the music last kind of pieces it all together, and it either fits into their unit and what they stand for or it just doesn’t. I’m a firm believer that things happen for a reason, so this CD rocking up was a knock on my minds door. On this occasion, I decided not to follow my aforementioned ritual, and I just dived right in and listed to the music.
These brass knuckle lads originate from Sydney, and to their credit they all have a striking repitour of musicianship under their belt, with bands such as Candy Harlots and Dungeon to name but a few. One Path was certainly designed to deliver the force of the punch. Opening with an instrumental track The Gates of Ashen Wake, this piece has the voice of the devil speaking in tongue or Latin perhaps; just encase it was a call for the devil to enter the homes of those listening I decided to turn my speakers down. Whatever the intent, it was effective and a helluva creepy voice over.
The album was produced by Dan Quinlan, who has worked with bands such as Deicide, Suffocation and Dismember, and to his credit has pieced this album together brutally. One Path was designed to be played loud; there is a lot going on, such as in the track Flames of the Reaper I can already see a manic film clip for this song, something like breath form the Prodigy, only injected with the element of atoms called metal metal metal!
For One Path, this album clearly speaks volumes that PAINDIVISION are an extremely hasty outfit, they have taken what was required from their earlier period, and leapt over the boundaries delivering to the public a creation of razor-sharp tantalum. This CD rocking up on my door was definitely a pleasing incident.
Good on you fellas, you have nailed it!
