Danish Tech Metallers Mnemic are no stranger to critical acclaim, having been complemented by the likes of Robert Trujillo from Metallica, and compared to the likes of Meshuggah and Strapping Young Lad. In terms of technical prowess and unadulterated heaviness, this band has the potential to join the top flight of the Scandinavian metal elite.

The question then is, since the departure of their original vocalist, and sporting new addition Guillaume Bideau behind the mic, can this, their 4th, and perhaps a little overdue, offering since 2007’s PASSENGER, live up to their established and fearsome reputation?

Opener ‘Sons of the System’, continues their crushing format of torrid brutality, mosh-drop beats, and their new addition proves he can scream hell with rest and best of them. It’s not exactly new stuff though, while still being heavy enough to dislodge any close relatives dentures, it kind of fails to impress. ‘Diesel Uterus’ does though. It’s an absolute obliterator of a track, the off-tempos that made this band so revered returns, the guitar, electronic harmonies, and awesomely executed melodic vocals demonstrate a clear anthemic overtone to what I’m sure will become a live crowd pleaser.

This tone of catchy, infectious rhythms continues through ‘Mnightmare’, and the ‘Erasing’, and it’s probably going to be down to personal preference as to whether you prefer the more straight forward, simplistic style of these songs, or, if you’re like me, wished they’d have stuck to their guns of off-time breaks and complex writing. ‘Climbing Towards The Stars’ even has a distinctly nu metal-esque tone. It’s funky as hell, true, but if you’re looking for that kind of fun, try some Godsmack or Sevendust or pretty much anything released between 2001 and 2003.

‘Hero(in)’ and ‘Within’ are notable improvements on this album, and whilst it is definitely a good metal album, it comes across as somewhat generic; lacking in any real efforts to forge new ground; and failing to stand out amongst the crowd. Yes, I’d recommend it, and yes, it’s better than 100% of anything this side of the UK charts, but if you’re saving your money for something truly phenomenal, you may have to wait till February 5 for Meshuggah’s new CD/DVD “Alive”. I’m guessing you won’t be afterwards, but I’ll let you know…

Mnemic, SONS OF THE SYSTEM is out Jan 18th Via Nuclear Blast.

3.5/5

Ade Perrie