« Predestined » EP
Unsigned/Independent
2014
It’s always interesting to hear members of your favorite bands convene and initiate another project/band that expands the template of what they’ve done before. It’s sad, however, when that new endeavor offers nothing new. Not so, with CONTRARIAN, a Rochester New York based band, including members of NILE and MITHRAS that really bring something new and exciting to the table!
CONTRARIAN’s debut EP, “Predestined” is a smorgasbord of layered sound and technical wizardry, not to be misconstrued as senseless noodling, however. No, the three songs on offer delve into avant-garde latter-day DEATH riffage, with slight atmospherics giving the listener a satisfying experience. Title track, “Predestined”, varies greatly in tempo and guitar flare as semblances of MITHRAS creep gently through from time to time. “Libertarian Manifesto”, though being the shortest track, offers the most mesmerizing ideas in its bassline break and clean sweeping chords! Lyrics fueled by philosophical questions concerning man’s place in this world, deep guttural vocals in front of “Sound of Perseverance” style aggression all add up to being one of the many bona fide highlights!
Final number, “Diogenes at Delphi” continues the momentum but includes short spacey tinges which leave the listener breathless, especially towards the finale, where lush, tuneful guitar picking cascades to bring “Predestined” to a peaceful end. Indeed, CONTRARIAN offer something refined and delicate all the while keeping with the traditions of Extreme Metal but adding just the right amount of sophistication; an emotional ride to be sure.
Standout Tracks: all of them, especially “Libertarian Manifesto”
9/10
Chris
