MINDROT
Reviewed by Christopher J. Kelter
Mindrot was ephemeral, but managed to make a lasting mark on the extreme metal scene. Mindrot’s blend of ambient and doom-laden grind,
first committed to posterity on “Dawning,” was further refined on “Soul.” “Soul” contains more atmospheric gloom and doom with less grind than “Dawning” which is just fine by me. “Soul” could be considered the ugly cousin to Morgion’s
“Solinari.”
“Soul” is characterized by trepidation and the weary weight of a callous world taking its toll on humanity. The overall pacing of the CD is a bit of a distraction, but “Soul” makes its point – nothing more and nothing less would do.
So, spare me the requiem for a band that never really got its due; like the brief shining moment of a shooting star, Mindrot made their brief impact on music a lasting one.
“Soul” was produced by Jim Barnes (Cannibal Corpse) and Mindrot.
Mindrot is Adrian Leroux on vocals, Dan Kaufman on guitar and vocals, John Flood on guitar, synth, and piano, Matt Fisher on bass, and Evan Kilblbourne on drums and percussion.
As of 1998 Mindrot have disbanded; current projects of former Mindrot members include Shiva and
Nacent.
Reviewed by Christopher J. Kelter
"Dawning," Mindrot's 1995 debut effort, was greeted with critical praise and commercial apathy.
Mindrot are as bipolar a band as you'll ever find. Equal parts doomy/gloomy atmospherics and brutal grindcore, the Mindrot combination is a lethal concoction of emotional rage and catharsis. The essential paradox is that Mindrot's style was what gave the band an opportunity to set themselves apart in the musical world, yet it is exactly this fact which probably prevented them from achieving commercial success and contributed to their eventual breakup. Even the limited success that extreme bands are lucky to have, if any at all, managed to escape Mindrot.
Musically Mindrot are adept at either using guitars to brutalize cranial space or utilizing keyboards and sustained guitars to ease the body's physical exertion. This tension is what makes Mindrot's music work. The seven songs are strung together with dialogue that hints at the terrible emotional and physical toll taken on a troubled soul.
"Dawning" is a disc that should be heard by all fans of the extreme scene.
Mindrot is Adrian Leroux on vocals, Dan Kaufman on guitar and vocals, John Flood on guitar, synth, and piano, Matt Fisher on bass, and Evan Kilblbourne on drums and percussion.
Mindrot disbanded in 1998.
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.
Copyright © 2006 by R. Scott Bolton. All
rights reserved.
Revised: 18 Mar 2024 11:16:02 -0500
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