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Metal Invader - Asylum 45 |
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Saturday, 16 June 2007 |
(Rusty Cage) Total Time: 39:35
ΝON-DIVINE are a Dutch band from Arnhem that has been lucky since their beginning. They won several competitions and participated in the “Metal Grand Slam Tour 2001” along with another three upcoming Dutch groups. In 2005 they won the Aardshock`s Metal Bash competition and that opened the way for a professional contract. “Asylum 45” is their debut effort that comes almost a decade after their establishment.
This album is an innovative concept album. It covers the lives of some patients in this particular psychiatric hospital. Every song has to do with a different patient that is totally different to each other and so the outcome is a mixture of emotions and thoughts. This is obvious in terms of the lyrics, but the music is more or less in the same level. That makes the songs totally different if you wish to enter each patient`s mind and the same time a solid sequence of melodic hard rock/heavy metal based on harmonies. NON – DIVINE have managed to create some great clean melodies reminiscent of Megadeth in the mid 90`s and some atmospheric parts that give out the sentiments they want to express, always in accordance with the concept. Although they could follow a more commercial path, they keep their guitars heavy and the drummer plays smart with a progressive sense. Their overall playing is technical and especially in the last two songs, which are of the best of “Asylum 45” they reminded me of Waltari in many respects. Responsible for producing, mixing and mastering this album is Jacob Hansen (Mercenary, Communic) that gave the band their sound identity.
“Asylum 45” is an easy, but not meaningless album. All songs are interesting and if you like the bands mentioned above and you can appreciate the combination between rhythmic playing and metal melodies you will enjoy this one too.
Reviewer: Nikos Patelis
Rating: 3,5 out of 5
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