Incredible second album from Northern Irish metallers
You know when you hear an album that's going to take a band to the next level. And lord knows the Sinocence deserve it, having shown an intense devotion to their work since their debut "Black Still Life Pose" in 2005 with a series of prestigious support slots and this latest re-release of their second album.
We've got our mitts on the special enhanced edition, which offers a brief video history of the band, as well as a photo gallery and website link. The interview with the band adds little to the album itself, but is a fun little curiosity for fans and shows how dedicated these guys are to their craft, even two albums in.
Besides, who needs gimmicks with an album this damn good? If anyone were to try and explain how to make a heavy metal track to keep almost every metal fan happy, 'Perfect Denial' must be it. It's not weighed down with screamo vocals, allowing the singer Moro to prove just how good he is. Lying just on the edges of commercial and individual, it strikes a fine balance. But the whole album isn't about isolated moments of brilliance from individual band members, it's a true collaborative effort with every drumbeat and every guitar break imbued with intensity and importance.
'Metalbox' is another heavy contender for the 'instant classic anthem' list, trading grating clichés for pure rhythmic power. Sinocence know the value of experimenting with melody and volume, and exploit it beautifully in 'God Complex', where some metal bands would be afraid to slow down for even a moment. They're also experimental enough to add female vocals that create great harmonies courtesy of Marie from Belfast noir-folk band The Winding Stair. It creates amazing contrasts that don't sound out of place or forced. It's refreshing to hear the heavy thrash of 'Ultraviolent' sit comfortably next to the melodic and layered 'Art of Separation' or 'Terminus'.
Varied enough to keep even the pickiest metal fan happy for the duration, "Scar Obscura" is one of those rare albums that you can keep on repeat and not get bored. A serious contender for metal album of the year, there's little to dislike about it (however hard you try). Thus proving that going it alone to promote and fund an album yourself can reap many rewards in the long run.