Brink of Extinction - Rebirth

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BRINK OF EXTINCTION (also styled as BOE) is an obscure nu metal sounding band that has zero trace of their career online. This six track (seemingly) full length album begins with strange, sinister sounding ambiance, with whispered spoken word that reminds one of something out of a Goosebumps episode. "Jekyll & Psyclops" opens with some brutal grooves that makes one think maybe something really heavy is coming, but what follows is something that could be compared to DISTURBED or even SLIPKNOT. A mix of clean vocals and hardcore screams, layered grooves and random samples throughout. "Media Invasion" features some pretty impressive, technical guitar work that makes up for the overall dull tone of the album. One might even go as far as to say this track in particular was influenced by DREAM THEATER or at times MESHUGGAH, and this writer does night say that lightly.

"Dark Passenger" is much of the same formula, with more 4/4 beats than anything. "The Laughter's Shadow" is a quick break from the heaviness, guitars with a clean tone and more dark ambiance. "Mirrors" plows back into simple grooves and more nu metal flair. A lot of the same for half of the eight minutes, and then a dark, down tempo passage ensues, with quite an emotional, dreamlike undertone. Overall, BOE are very talented at times, especially on guitars. Unfortunately, the album seems very uninspired and brings nothing new to what seems like they are going for, which is progressive metal. The production quality is top notch, so it's a wonder why they couldn't afford a promotional team.

Songwriting: 6
Originality: 5
Memorability: 5
Production: 8