Master Boot Record - Virus.DOS

Labels: Blood Music

Formats: Digital

Release Date: 02 Oct 2018

Tracklist:

1. V-Sign

2. Skynet

3. Walker

4. Elvira

5. Virdem

6. Mars

7. Crash

Technology is a divisive subject nowadays. It's been used in recent times to synthesise metal music, which to me seemed weird when I first came across it; however, that was before I discovered Master Boot Record. As much as the purist in me wants to call foul, I've really enjoyed what I've heard by the project and the fact that MBR is now a live two-piece only sweetens the deal, as it makes the music more human (if that's possible). Anyway, the project's newest offering "Virus.DOS" was released digitally via Blood Music in October. This review is written out of appreciation for MBR and with that in mind, I probably won't be featuring any other synthwave/chip-tune music on the blog.

There’s something about MBR that’s caught my imagination lately and alongside the stupid “Deep Web” Youtube videos I’ve found myself watching, I’ve been a bit hooked on the band. It’s a bit of a departure for me but I’m embracing it just this once. The only problem i’ve been facing is how to adequately describe MBR’s music in writing. “Virus.DOS” is no different to the project’s previous work, where synthesisers have taken centre stage with back up from programmed percussion. Album opener V-Sign is a short intro piece, making use of the upbeat nature of the music to get pulses rising. It seems to me that MBR would sit neatly alongside more extreme bands on a festival bill with no problem at all. That thought is evidenced by Skynet, which sounds more extreme in a cyber-grind/industrial kind of way. It’s ambient and atmospheric as well as being fast in tempo, while the 80s sci-fi influence is strong. 

There’s more melody present on Walker, which subtracts the rave-like textures of Skynet and replaces them with neo-classical music and layers of noise that are quite mesmeric. It’s split into movements that are separated by brief moments of silence. The second movement of Walker grows in technicality with a beat that’s akin to dub-step in the background. The music on “Virus.DOS” does take on a more sinister form as MBR progresses through the record. Elvira takes on the horror-film vibe and turns it up with the use of ridiculous amounts of synths and energy. it’s so hard to describe it properly as it’s something you need to listen too to fully grasp. The goth/industrial dance mayhem is back on Virdem and even though describing it as such is doing the song a disservice, there are moments where it would make complete sense for this to be blasting over the dancefloor of a dark and sweaty alternative nightclub. There’s more of an unnerving and twisted plot to the music than  that of earlier release “Interrupt Request” (which has been my main reference point). 

There are still some truly uplifting moments here though and Mars is one of them, with its cinematic melody that sits at the top of the song’s opening bars. It gives way to a verse that again ventures further into the neo-classical/symphonic side of MBR’s being but it’s no less enjoyable because of that. Fun is definitely a word you can use to describe this record, in a genuine way. It’s both heavy and safe for the norms. Ending with Crash, which is similarly as energising as the album’s opener, it’s hard to fully comprehend what’s just happened. Alongside the programmed drums, there is some virtuoso synth work that can be heard. It’s as close to technical, progressive metal as you can get without really being categorised as such and it acts as a great crossover or gateway album. Chances are that if you’re reading this review then you already know and love MBR and I’m just preaching to the converted. If not, then at least give it a chance. 

Stream and purchase "Virus.DOS" as a name-your-price download below:-

Master Boot Record - https://www.facebook.com/masterbootrecordmusic/

Blood Music - https://www.facebook.com/BlooodMusic/

Irreversible Mechanism - Immersion

Labels: Blood Music

Formats: Vinyl/CD/Digital

Release Date: 14 Sep 2018

Tracklist:

1. Existence I: Contemplation

2. Existence II: Collision

3. Abolution

4. Simulacra

5. Footprints In The Sand

6. Beyond

7. Limbo

8. Immersion

9. Awakening

Yesterday was a wasted day for me, as I partied a little too hard on Friday night. I feel fresher today though and ready to give this new album a spin from Belorussian progressive metal band Irreversible Mechanism. It's still fresh, as it was only released just over a week ago by Blood Music. It's the band's second release following their 2015 debut "Infinite Fields". You can buy "Immersion" now on cd, double LP and digitally.

Progressive/Technical death metal always promises a lot, but I often feel a bit underwhelmed after listening to it. I’ve never quite understood why that is, but it could be down to my musical tastes altering as I get older. I’m hoping Irreversible Mechanism will be different but as opening track Existence I: Contemplation starts with ambient synths that make up half of the song, I’m still not convinced. When the second half of the song sees the band open up more, there's a glimpse of what’s to come with a brief hit of their extremity and some very good musicianship that leads to a classy solo. 

Existence II: Collision is more like it. The band launches straight into it with on unnecessary build-up and immediately shows off their musically ability. The good thing about it is that even with the frenetic drumming and guitar-work, the pace seems to be at the right end of the spectrum enjoyment wise. The mix of harsh roars and clean singing also works really well. As with many bands that perform with progression in mind, the songs on “Immersion” are lengthy. Abolution stretches to nearly six-and-a-half-minutes and as the album title suggests, it requires your full attention. I think what sets Irreversible Mechanism apart as they progress is their ability to play with sensitivity as well as aggression, and being able to inject variation into their music. Pleasantly surprised at the moment.

They revert back to a more electronic/ambient sound on Simulacra. The organ gives it a sinister edge and the otherworldly electronic effects are well placed. The noise level builds in layers as more effects and vocals come into play, moving the song from being what could have been a lengthy interlude and turning into something more. There’s a real sense of purpose about Footprints In The Sand. Again it’s main verse is preceded by a lengthy instrumental build-up but when it gets going properly, it again highlights the band’s agility and brutality. It’s the standout track on the album for em due to it’s different movements and melody.

The second half of the album it stronger and more focused with Beyond being easily the heaviest piece so far. It’s tempo also raises up a few notches for good measure. Limbo follows and that title is quite apt, because it’s calming music and short playing time sort of leaves you in limbo following the intensity of Beyond. It does contain another solid piece of guitar virtuosity though. Limbo flows into the title-track perfectly and what follows is another barrage of kick-drumming and mind-bending riffs. There’s a lot to like on this record and despite my earlier uncertainty, this album is certainly growing on me. Closing track Awakening ends the album on the right note. Irreversible Mechanism have written an album that’s full of ideas, creativity and stellar musicianship. A lot of album of this ilk tend to sound too clinical in the production/mastering and while “Immersion” sounds clean and clear, it’s certainly not over-produced and It allows the band to give a great account of themselves.

You can stream "Immersion" via Blood Music's bandcamp page below:-

"Immersion" is available to buy digitally and on cd (a limited quantity is still available) from the bandcamp page above and vinyl copies can be purchased here - https://www.blood-music.com/store-eu/irreversible-mechanism.

Irreversible Mechanism - https://www.facebook.com/IrreversibleMechanism/

Blood Music - https://www.facebook.com/BlooodMusic/