The Hungarian quintet still search for the missing ingredient
Insane may possibly be the best Hungarian metal band that you have ever heard. But then again, the quintet may also be the ONLY Hungarian metal band that you have ever heard. Hungary may have given us two of the finest composers of the 19th and 20th centuries (Franz Liszt and Bela Bartok, respectively), but the noteworthy musical products of the central European country since have been few and far between. Unfortunately, Insane’s 21st Century album ‘Our Island, Our Empire’ is unlikely to set the European metal scene alight with innovation. The metal quintet do show signs of promise, particularly when they attempt to broaden their horizons by incorporating traits of alternative genres, but the outcome is unfortunately rather undistinguished.
However, this is by no means a bad album. The composition of the band’s music is adequate and the performance by each musician is respectable. Their music has slightly less cultural flavouring to it than Gibraltar’s Breed 77 (to whom Insane are remotely comparable), which consequently means that the Hungarian five-piece are often left presenting a generic metal sound.
Introductory instrumental ‘It Came From Beyond’ is a disappointing beginning, displaying an aural recording quality that is best described as ‘dirty’... and not in a satisfying manner. Things quickly improve upon segueing into ‘Something in the Wind’, which features the best chorus of the entire album.
Although there is little sign of Hungarian identity, Insane feature a Spanish-flavoured instrumental, ‘Fuerteventura’. Acting as a refreshing intermission, the track offers respite from the heavier nature of the rest of the album. Beautifully decorated by the addition of the Spanish guitar, the track is incredibly unexpected, but fits surprisingly well. The use of trumpets and saxophones also valuably contribute to the spirit of the piece, making this a highlight of the album.
Although predominantly strong, their grasp of their English language is not quite faultless with a few grammatical errors surfacing in their lyrical composition. However, for the final song ‘Lelkem Iranytu’, the band lyrically immerse themselves in their native language. Whilst many listeners may not be familiar with the Hungarian language, the band perceptively seem more comfortable; a very positive way to end ‘Our Island, Our Empire’.
The band are able to boast that they have supported a number of world-renowned metal acts; Soulfly, Ill Nino and Napalm Death, but to name a few. There seems to be an impressive degree of potential for the band; if they can just find their musical niche and inject a suitable dose of inviduality, Insane will be able to make a name for themselves.