Rough Edge: Dioramic CD Reviews

DIORAMIC

"Technicolor" (Lifeforce; 2010)

Artcore, post-rock, chaoscore. There are way too many labels in metal today, let alone rock'n'roll in general. So let's put the pigeonholing away (I was never very good at it anyway) and just talk about the music on Dioramic's "Technicolor."

If you listened only to the first track of this CD, you might not be expecting much from it. It's an all right tune, pretty standard for the genre, and it sets the stage for the rest of the CD, at least in the vocals department. As I said, it's not a bad track but it's nothing truly outstanding either. Your first thought might be, "Oh boy. Here's more of the same."

But then the second track comes along and, although it's not that different, it's certainly different than track one. Then track three comes along and surprises you again. The album goes on and on like this, with each track being a new discovery, until, suddenly, you realize you're three-quarters through the disc and having a hell of a good time.

The vocals on this CD range from straight-forward screaming to some cookie monster growls to melodic vocals. They're used in surprisingly effective combinations that fit the songs perfectly. Music-wise (and I guess you can't easily avoid listing categories here), "Technicolor" has a little hardcore, a little screamo and an edge of metal throughout. But it's the little things that make this record bigger and better than that first track might have led you to believe. Take track five, "Arms of Poseidon," for example. The track begins with an almost classic rock chord riff, rapidly explodes into a burst of screamo, and then morphs into a stunning combination of sung choruses and throat-tearing screams. Again, by the time the entire song has completely unfolded, you'll find yourself pleasantly engaged.

Anyone who says there isn't enough creativity in extreme music these days should give Dioramic's "Technicolor" a listen.

For more information, check out http://www.myspace.com/dioramic.

Rating Guide:

A classic. This record will kick your ass.

Killer. Not a classic but it will rock your world.

So-so. You've heard better.

Pretty bad. Might make a nice coaster.

Self explanatory. Just the sight of the cover makes you wanna hurl.

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