Crydebris – The Severing [EP] – 4/5
http://www.mediafire.com/?ujjhytzjotm

It’s perhaps a little disappointing that by the time this artist had been brought to my attention that they had already disbanded, though decided to finish writing this EP for a limited production of just 300 copies. Whilst many of them have gone to form a new band, ‘Rinoa,’ the sludgier sound that they’ve now adopted is a far cry from what I can only describe as Botch with an atmospheric – almost post-rock – twist. Layered with complex melodies, each member demonstrating a proficiency at their instrument as they write wholly individual interweaving melodies, that rather unlike most artists where they all follow the same general pattern, often feel completely distinct to enhance the chaotic tone, and further the impact when they do all come together.

The bass spends most of its time making a limited but notable presence in the background, used more as a pacing element to distinguish between the tempo in question as trying to pay attention to the drums for this aspect is not the easiest of tasks. Whilst they maintain the timing (as far as I can notice), very rarely will they actually repeat themselves; quite often their prominence in the mix feels like one long solo, working in harmony with the guitars. Prominent in the final production, they feel like an active partner in the melody, and whilst they often feel complex as you struggle to follow the multiple rhythms, they never go into overt speed for the sake of it, continually contributing subtle changes as the track progresses.

The same can be said for the guitars; the complexity arising through their distinctive melodies that emerge, contrasting with the drums to produce multiple rhythms in which to follow, thus creating the dissonant and chaotic tone. They may stray from the core melody but never get caught up in the technicality of their own playing, quickly returning to the main rhythm. The vocals are perhaps the only weak link; the aggressive screams feeling a little thin and monotonous, strained at times; and the cleaner, for all their notable imperfections only occasionally become grating, often lending a raw, human feel that shows more emotional than a flawless performance ever could.

Despite the chaotic tone, it never feels as though its complex for the sheer sake of it; none of the instrumentation on their own feel constructed so as to show off, and instead we’ll often find the pace become distinctly slower as all the elements slowly ‘merge’ together to transform from the anarchic tone to a more sombrely atmospheric singularity. Those who like their music technical without the pretentiousness may find 25 minutes of experimental mathcore that can stand up to multiple listens.