Mind Imperium - Way to Carcosa

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MIND IMPERIUM from Lyon, France released their 2nd album, “Way to Carcosa”, the follow up to 2014’s “Amongst the Ruins”, September 23rd, 2018 via Dark Faery Records. Founded in 2012 MIND IMPERIUM have put their own little twist on metal, providing a sound that mixes a bit of MACHINE HEAD (“Burn My Eyes” era) and vocals similar to SLIPKNOT's first release. “I Am Become Death”, the most famous line from the Bhagavad-Gita, begins with spoken passages while a plucked guitar fills the ambiance with feelings of sorrow and despair. A second guitar lays it on even thicker with its melodic lead full of high pitched notes that cry out and slowly fade. While it’s normally frowned upon to open an album with a slower tempo, MIND IMPERIUM, again, put their own twist on it, and what may be a slower pace, they opened strong. A very intense opener.

Followed up by “Eventide”, a track that shows the bands typical nature and format. Here is where the MACHINE HEAD reference comes into play. If you know it, you’ll hear exactly what I am talking about. If you have never heard “Davidian” from MACHINE HEAD, first, do your homework and go check it out. That amazing, to die for, guitar tone. It doesn’t work with just anything. MIND IMPERIUM is the second band to make that distinct sound and combine it with the right way of using it and making it just perfect. It’s the right amount of crunch, clarity, and aside from gear, a playing style. Skill, riffage, melody, but thick, full and dark. The vocals are similar to Corey Taylor's kind of audible death yell. Sometimes bouncy in the patterns and word placement, and other times just a release of whatever it is that wants out. The drums have the kick drum sound similar to FEAR FACTORY, SKINLAB, and more of the groove metal bands. The kick drums are abrupt, tight, and pack a punch. Great use of accent crash cymbals. The snare keeps the head bobbing while the kicks roll and blast here and there.

“Last Man Standing’ furthers the SLIPKNOT vibe and is borderline commercial radio friendly. The right amount of bark and bite alongside a catchy hook-laden chorus. The clean vocals are so-so and do seem that they have room to mature. The lyrics are beefy and angry and get the adrenaline flowing. Overall, MIND IMPERIUM isn’t really anything that hasn’t been done, but they are going with the flow of a highly desirable sound that is known to please metal fans worldwide.

Songwriting: 7
Originality: 7
Memorability: 7
Production: 7