Metallic Taste of Blood: Metallic Taste of Blood
Though their name might invoke the ravages of death metal or the self-parody that is nu-metal, the debut album from Metallic Taste of Blood instead showcases a low-key blend of lounge jazz, ambient electronica, dub (and dubstep), and progressive rock. This supergroup is comprised of Eraldo Bernocchi on guitar/effects, Colin Edwin on bass guitar, Jamie Saft on keys/synths, and Balazs Pandi on drums and percussion. The talent and chemistry between these artists is fantastic, and their collective approach to their craft is apparent in the feel and mood of this first release.
The album, consisting of ten tracks, clocks in at just under an hour with most songs lasting 5 minutes or more. This gives plenty of time to become immersed within the creeping grooves and sinister melodic flourishes on tracks like “Schizopolis”. Reminiscent of a death-defying traversal of some lava-pitted castle, here the drums shuffle about in an effort to drive your hips into a frenzy while the bass and keys pal around on a driving riff with some cool guitar effects. The ambient section just past the tune’s center really glows, showcasing a magical moment for the group as they rise together and scatter in the wind.
Track four, “Bipolar”, begins in a lighthearted mood, bouncing around the mind’s forests in manic bliss. The guitars really layer well with the keys on this section, but the drums steal the show with their distinct, minimalist voice telling the story. The mood changes suddenly and we plunge down a dark hallway. Power chords churn over a groovy, yet fitting drum pattern. The keys come in to strong effect when the hallway widens into a cavern, filling the void with ghostly wails.
Track nine, “Twitch”, is a spacy piece that features an astounding rhythm beneath a droning, shuffling horror. Dramatic piano discordia penetrates the din and really sets the tone for the transitional, ambient segment. The guitar does a great sax imitation in this hushed, secret moment. When the drums pass over the threshold into new territory, the bass produces a fat line to follow. The keys and guitar swell alongside them into an expansion of the opening rhythm that spurns the piano into a violent, creaking tantrum.
There are many standout tracks, including “King Cockroach” and “Crystals and Wounds”, but the album does fall flat in providing any great variety beyond its dark disposition. While this is not necessarily a bad thing, it does make for a slightly homogenized package. Regardless the album moves quickly and is a rather relaxing listen for the patient listener.
The stylistic conglomerate being created here has plenty of room to expand and evolve beyond its current format. Including horns or having guest singers could really play up the jazzy, club vibe while maintaining the unsettling gloom of its origins. They could develop a harder, more metal sound overall, or move into more soothing ambient territory. The sound palette on display within Metallic Taste of Blood reveals a well-balanced band that can play just about anything it wants.
Rating: 6.7/10
MP3 Metallic Taste of Blood “Bipolar”
Buy: iTunes
