Contortion – The Common Thread
Release Date: 16th February 2024
Label: Self Released
Spotify
Genre: Metal, Groove Metal, Djent, Metalcore.
FFO: All That Remains, Lamb Of God, After The Burial.
Review By: Metal Miguel
Hailing from Southern California, the metal powerhouse CONTORTION is set to unveil its eagerly awaited sophomore effort, “The Common Thread,” on February 16, 2024. Fresh off their extensive touring in the US and the UK, including standout performances at major festivals like Mayhem Fest and Knotfest in Southern California, CONTORTION has channelled their experiences and energy into this latest project. Touted as a concept album, “The Common Thread” stands poised to redefine the boundaries of the genre, allegedly, with its innovative sound. Featuring collaborations with a roster of renowned metal scene icons, the album not only broadens the band’s musical landscape but also underscores their evolving creativity and style. For the first time, fans will have the chance to own CONTORTION’s music on vinyl, alongside digital availability across streaming platforms, catering to both collectors and dedicated followers of the metal scene. Prepare to dive into an album brimming with dynamic compositions that reflect the band’s maturation and range.
Writing the intro to albums based on the press kit sent by the band or the label is always a tough translation and while you understand that they want you to be excited by the new release, I think facts should be adhered to. Using phrases like “stands poised to redefine the boundaries of the genre” isn’t going to fly if you consider that part of the measure we adopt is to say they sound like another band or the “for fans of” section. Having a similar line “with its innovative sound” loses all punch when you consider that means “featuring new methods” which they then haven’t gone on to say what they are unless they are referring to the list of collaborations within this album, but then that isn’t new either.
I’ve gone in pretty hard, and it suggests I’m not a fan, but that’s only partially true. I’m not a “fan” but the album is ok and I think using producers including Josh Gilbert of As I Lay Dying, Darian Rundall of Suicidal Tendencies & Dokken, and Adassi Adassi of NervoChaos certainly comes across, but that doesn’t make it amazing, it just sounds really good and to be honest, I think all the collaborations has taken away any unique aspect the band may have wanted to aim for. Again, I’m shitting all over this for the sake of the process in which they want to promote it and having contributions from Belisario Dimuzio of Cattle Decapitation, Heidi Shepherd of Butcher Babies, Henry Sanchez of Brujeria is great but that, again, doesn’t play to the whole “unique” ethos as previously stated.
There are some sweet and chunky songs and the “All That Remains” sound is the best way I can liken this band, but like many similarity-driven reviews, I’m not sure if that is a good thing or a bad thing, as I’m not the biggest fan of “ATR” either. Perhaps I’m just at that age now where fancy press kit chat doesn’t fly with me, especially after listening to the album and picking out a couple of decent songs, a few sweet riffs, but largely forgettable, and while I encourage bands to make their mark, let’s do that, your mark, not a collaboration with a half-dozen or so folk from older established bands or names of industry recognition for that meal ticket. The album is decent, I’m just not sure how accurate the sound or origin is from the band themselves.
(3 / 5)
