Published on Dec 1, 2000
Imagine what might happen if Trent Reznor fronted Guns N’ Roses
without having the guitar talents of Slash.
A bit difficult to imagine? It is the first impression I get
from the debut CD from Arsyn,
Degeneration. It takes guts to merge the worlds of
industrial and metal, while trying to make sure neither side
becomes overpowering. For the most part, the San Bernandino,
California-based band accomplishes this task well, though their
sound proves they’re still searching for their place in the
world.
There are times when this band – vocalist Collin Whalen,
guitarist Brett Corse, bassist Bob Gates and drummer Alan Johnson –
shows they are a name to watch closely. Tracks like “Psycho Super
Society,” “Hit The Ground,” “Knock Down Mr. Foolish” and “Silent
Scream” all demonstrate the power this quartet has, and how well
the two genres can melt together. One track, “Succubus Blues,”
seems to capture the raunchy sound of blooze-based metal
perfectly.
Yet there are times when it feels like Arsyn hasn’t quite come
into their own yet – and that’s something that will only come with
time together and scars of life on the road. “Blind Fury” is a
track that sounds like it could have benefitted from a little more
lyrical development (and the re-mix at the end of the album doesn’t
help the situation). Other tracks like “Will Be Gone” and “Kill
Joy” also have a sound that suggests the tracks could have
benefitted from maybe one more coat of paint.
Does this mean that
Degeneration is not worth checking out? I didn’t say that.
In fact, the disc is one which begins to show its magic after
repeated listens – which is easy to do since the disc clocks in at
under 40 minutes. But while this disc shows the promise that the
band has, it doesn’t sound like Arsyn has found the source of their
own power just yet. When they do, however, grab on to something
that’s tied down and look out.
Degeneration shows off a band who hint at much greater
things to come from them. Here’s hoping they can tap that well and
give the genre a solid kick in the ass.