Since their formation in 1994, Neuraxis has been turning out high quality technical/progressive/death metal on a pretty regular basis. At least that is what I have read about the Canadian quintet.
Prior to getting my hands on their latest creation, I had never heard of them. Of course, that isn't saying a lot, a lot of the bands I have reviewed I had never previously encountered. Do you have any idea how many bands are out there? Let's narrow it down a little bit, do you have any idea how many good metal bands are lurking beneath the radar? Let's just agree that there are more bands worth listening to (or at least sampling) than any one of us has time to do so. Neuraxis happens to be one of the lucky bands to have fallen on my radar. In any case, The Thin Line Between is an impressive album.
This album is a fascinating excursion into musical experimentation. I have heard other acts similar to them, but there is something about them that stands out. There is a delicate balance between sheer absolute brutality and pitch perfect technicality, and this balance is accomplished while keeping the speed at a fever pitch, the album surging forward, and nothing sounding boring or repetitious. This balancing act cannot be an easy task. It could be very easy to get sidetracked into the technical at the expense of the brutal nature, or vice versa.
When you listen to The Thin Line Between you will find music that is fresh, digs itself into your head, and rattles around for a while. The album begins with the tech-fest "Darkness Prevails," a cut that unleashes a technical gut punch. This is followed by a series of body blows as Neuraxis attempt to redefine death metal.
Article comments
1 - Brian aka Guppusmaximus
Nice Review...
This album is pretty damn good but it seems that they have gotten a little sidetracked with the technical at the expense of the brutal in comparison to "Trilateral Progression". But, it is in a good way as I hear the experimentation with more melodic movements and it sounds like they are really trying to create their own sound within their influences.
I have to agree that the vocals are rather cliche but this is Death Metal and, granted they don't stand out, at least this guy can nail it in the traditional & brutal sense. I have to say that I am a little disappointed that they didn't keep their last singer. Ian Campbell would've put this album over the edge,imo. Plus, it would've given him a chance to showcase his melodic vocals.
Overall, this album is a damn good release for this genre and I'm looking forward to the many spins it will take to hear every little twist & turn.