Communic - Conspiracy In Mind

[Liu]

Communic - Conspiracy In Mind
Nuclear Blast

Debut albums are always a tricky thing. The band usually is still working out the kinks as far as the music is concerned, trying to find that one thing that'll make its mark. It isn't often that a band will stand out from the very onset, and that is something that Communic has done with Conspiracy In Mind.

From the very start of the disc, you wonder whether there was an error in the printing plant and that you got some new Nevermore album by mistake. Communic's similarity to Nevermore is uncanny, almost to the point where you have to start to call them a clone. Heavily influenced, yes, but an all out clone? Communic adds enough to dodge that particular bullet, though it may not be apparent on initial listens. They combine Nevermore's modern power metal with a good dose of Dream Theater styled progressive metal. The songs on Conspiracy In Mind are long and elaborate with various time changes and moods, but never get into "wankery" territory that many people accuse progressive metal bands of. Vocalist Oddleif Stensland is certainly a dead ringer for Warrel Dane, though his voice isn't presented at full blast unlike the Nevermore front man. He does have a few more tricks up his sleeve, the background vocals on the chorus for Silence Surrounds is very much like Painkiller-era Rob Halford. You almost begin to wonder whether Rob did a cameo on the album, but its all Oddleif.

If you like Nevermore and prog, then give Communic a shot. I'm very interested in seeing how the band will develop on further releases.


01. Conspiracy In Mind
02. History Reversed
03. They Feed On Our Fear
04. Communication Sublime
05. The Distance
06. Ocean Bed
07. Silence Surrounds

Score: 8/10

[zach]

Their new album is going to be out soon.

I love this album,and i have to say that innitially i gave them huge comparisons to nevermore as well. However, the more i've listened to this the less they sound like nevermore clones and the more they have a small NM influence. I really don't think they sound anymore like nevermore (their influence) than most bands sound like their influences on their debuts. It's just that Nevermore is so unique that it makes it easier to hear perhaps?

Either way, i think that for a debut, it's phenominal. I'm excited for the next disc because i think it'll be even better.

[Liu]

Originally Posted by zach

It's just that Nevermore is so unique that it makes it easier to hear perhaps?

That's more or less the point I was aiming for.

[zach]

Cool. wasn't trying to negate your oppinion. Great review dude