INFLICTION „The Silencer”

Music: Melodic Metal/Gothic
Country: Italy
Website: http://www.infliction.it
Duration: 44.52
Cool Songs: The Voice, Eyesseeblack, Redhouse, Sleeper.

I hate to form preconceptions about certain bands, but when the words ‘metal’ and ‘Italy’ are combined, I am never overawed with enthusiasm. There’s always something melodically awkward about the Italian’s and their take on the metal sound and I was expecting much the same with this new ‘Infliction’ album.

Formed in 1995 and a five piece that formed a hybrid sound of melodic death metal/prog metal and modern thrash, ‘Infliction’ released two demo’s in the late 90’s and after three years of touring Europe with the likes of Tiamat, Vader, The Haunted and Incantation, they recorded a debut album ‘The Faint Smell of Suicide’ for German label V.O.L. Needless to say, distribution was rather limited and I’d be surprised if anyone in this country actually owns a copy! Strangely, and maybe it was an attempt at some ‘lead in’ promotion, Cartel Media re-released the debut in May 2005. That’d be ok as an argument if ‘Infliction’ were actually signed to Cartel Media, but they’re not. Enter Italy’s Cruz Del Sur Music.

Since the debut the one major change that has occurred in the ‘Infliction’ camp is the addition of vocalist Bjorn Goosses, formerly of German ‘Swedish Melodic Death copyists’ ‘Night In Gales’. I’m not sure what previous vocalist ‘I.R’ brought to the band, but the addition of Goosses appears to be a winner. His harsh, aggressive tone was possibly the best thing about his previous band and with ‘Infliction’ he brings the same qualities to the table. His cleaner, melodic phrasing is also an additional welcome, in fact, the best thing he’s ever done. I’m not sure if it’s because Goosses is German that enables ‘Infliction’ to avoid the melodic pitfalls I alluded to earlier, but it is cleat that he has been able to lend his voice in a more appealing fashion that would otherwise have been compromised with a home grown vocalist. Lyrically though, I do have some issues with the likes of ‘Poisonradio, Thirtyseven and Paperlife’ – Italian awkwardness assured.

Musically, ‘Infliction’ won’t change the face of metal either. However, the song writing (backed by a rather crisp and crunchy production) isn’t the worst you’ll witness. There are a few misses a long the way; however the high moments are definitely worth a repeated listen or two. For the most part, ‘Infliction tread the familiar line of speedy melodic death metal (but without the need for Sweden to incite copyright proceedings) combined with classic metal riffage and some slightly more refined gothic metal aesthetics. This last element is particularly encapsulated in the cover version of Ultravox’s ‘The Voice’ which rounds out the album – killer, killer track!!! It doesn’t say a hell of a lot for ‘Infliction’s’ original material when a cover is the best thing on the album, but it would be cool if the band pursued similar lines on future material.

I won’t say that ‘Infliction’ should be atop your current want list, but if you like heavy crunchy, melodic metal with hint of Scando meets modern Thrash meets Euro pop/Goth then you’ll find enough on ‘The Silencer’ to satisfy. Also check out the additional bonus video clip for opening track ‘Eyesseeblack’ – totally professional.

note: 7.4

Tracklist

Eyeseeblack
Redhouse
Poisonradio
Nocturnal
Sleepers
Welcome
Paperlife
Thirtyseven
Breathe
Closer
The Voice