Artist: Illidiance
Title: Synthetic Breed
Type: EP
Label: Self Released

The Cyber Metal act ‘Illidiance’ who formed in Russia in 2005, first started out playing black metal, then later changing their music style to a more ‘easier to listen to’ electronic cyber metal. Touring with the likes of Behemoth and Hate, this band is obviously going places. Offering more than the usual with their unique sound in their musical genre, unheard of here but in Russia ‘Illidiance’ are one of the most well known Cyber Metal bands in the country. With a possible European tour forming once the third album is released, we are sure to hear more of them in the future.

The first track off the EP ‘Cybergore Generation’ reminds me straight away of Fear Factory with a slice of Kamelot’s epic keyboards thrown in. Tight riffs and some quite fitting growling/shouting vocals with some added clean vocals which to me sounds almost Spanish inspired, makes this a winning track for me. ‘Infected,’ although quite repetitive, offers a hefty slab of impressive keyboards, strong drum pattern with a middle section of some clean vocals and slower tempo. The third track ‘Mind Hunters’ sounds quite similar to the previous track. But what stands out in this track is the riffs in-between the vocal patterns. ‘Razor of the Skin’ stands out to be the most unique track. Fast drumming and equally fast keyboard work then onto a slower paced chorus line with clean harmonic vocals.

Overall, I liked this EP. Not my usual cup of metal but it was a good listen. I appreciated the technicality in the tracks and all the work that’s gone into making it. The production work is impressive. The main and clean vocals are clear and harmonic, the drumming tight and the keyboard work immense. So get your cyber goggles on, throw on the PVC pants and give these guys a listen. Looking forward to the new album which they are currently about to go into the studios to record and will hopefully be released later this year.

http://www.myspace.com/illidiance

Charlene Rance

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