Having a presence amongst the metal masses since 2008, quintet, One-Way Mirror, will be releasing their third full-length album, Capture, next week. These guys are pretty big in their native France and originally were signed to Metal Blade Records, so that tells you that they’ve successfully been on one of the biggest metal labels out there on the scene. Each of the members of the group used to be in other projects and eventually all met up and decided to form a supergroup with each of the member’s greatest influnces input into this group. The group soon tapped into their musical strengths and brought out some strong, melodic hard-hitting anthems that they slowly became known for in their area. After pitching some ideas and adopting each other’s styles, the group went into the studio to record their initial album which led to them to become support for Swedish legends, Soilwork on their tour. Over the next few years the group toured a few more times, sharing the stage alongside bands such as Gojira and Loudblast.
Stinkin’ Of Gold is definitve is raw and gritty hard rock. It’s edgy riffs and light harmonies are pleasing for an opener. A track that really got me going was the third track, The Clock Is Ticking. The group certainly turns the amps up on this one as well as the vocals getting harsher. A harder track, the melodies on this one really got me. It’s a satisffactory blend of hard rock and melody. While this song is pretty hard, if you’re looking to spike your adrenaline and get into a biker fight, switch it to the track, Confusion Core. The heavy and rigourous double bass really gives me eargasms, combined with the in your face riffs, oh boy, talk about a rush. Screenshot has me thinking of the group, Faith No More. The track is simplistic and the vocals take on an almost rap-style approach with slight hints of nu-metal.
[tube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s1zkvjtWd9A[/tube]
What took me by surprise was their cover of Lady Maralade. Though I’m not a fan of the original track, these guys did a decent job of making the track catchy. Possibly one of the best titles for a track, Fuck Your Autotune, also comes with more harsh attitudes even the vocals get heavier with their screaming capabilities. Their musicianship gets very tight later on, and I think it’s kind of ironic the track gets slightly electronic with the title of the track as so. I am sure this track will lure those that are passionate of the genre. The final track, We Love To Complain, brings back some of those nu-metal style riffs and what I liked were the additional featured instruments like violins and strings to add some elements of epic proportion.
It’s been a while since I’ve listened to a hard rock album and this was a pretty good album that helped reinforce my habits within the genre. If you’re a fan of Alice In Chains, Volbeat and even Mudvayne this album will pretty much connect instantly. While this was a more diverse approach that the group brings, I personally would have liked to have seen more aggression and speed throughout the album. The rather unique tones some of the other tracks bring were not too bad either. Nonetheless, a group that is still underground, perhaps after this album, their name will reach bigger masses. Merci! Stay Metal m/
Capture: 7/10
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The Metal Alchemy 