ALBUM REVIEW: dissolution – Siamese
Danish alt-metallers SIAMESE had seemingly uncovered the perfect formula for bridging the gap between accessible pop hits and punchy metalcore anthems, growing ever more popular in stature with each passing release. Arguably at the peak of their powers they ran straight into a brick wall, which threatened their future when long standing guitarist and key contributor Andreas Kruger opted to depart the band last year. This forced the band to regroup and reassess their trajectory with the freshly released dissolution which is available now via Long Branch Records. Will this release help steady the ship?
dark commences with a brooding, dramatic introduction and a clever pacing which helps build the anticipation for what is to unfold. Snappy riffs add some heaviness to the mix alongside the smooth vocal tones of Mirza Radonjica. Only one song in and the transitioning to a new style is already very evident. drown continues the electronica-infused experimentation as melody meets aggression with hard hitting rhythms. Emotive chorus lines share the spotlight with abrasive screams. sense opens up with explosive hooks and neck-snapping grooves, giving a nod to the mighty LIMP BIZKIT in the process. The crunchy instrumentation is particularly addictive.
A pulsing beat leads the way as friends throws various genres in a blender which has become a reliable staple of the SIAMESE arsenal. The juxtaposition of light and dark elements proves to be a promising proposition for the stage. sinner possessess a tense, simmering tempo before diving into ferocious flurries layered with alluring melodies. The climactic breakdown leaves a stomping exclamation point. dissolution injects an energetic vibrancy into proceedings, a bouncy dance-like swagger provides a respite from the crushing intensity. patterns adopts a very personal, vulnerable approach. Fans of BAD OMENS will gratefully devour this track and its powerful industrial stride.
reveries brings the bite back, initially luring you in with a tempting introductory segment before attacking with a vicious round of riffing. Featuring the services of metalcore bruisers CASKETS adds an additional level of chaos to the unravelling onslaught. reaper is equipped with a sombre narrative that feels very relatable to anyone who has had brushes with mortality. Mirza slickly transitions between brutish screams and anthemic serenades. twisted is also armed with significant firepower. A sudden surge of adrenaline grabs the track by the throat for one final frenzy just as you feel yourself being whisked away by the colourful musicianship.
As the old adage goes, pressure creates diamonds and SIAMESE have stared adversity directly in the eyes and triumphed. Whilst this release may alienate some of their fanbase who leaned into the more radio friendly sensibilities of their previous instalments, dissolution has also shown us an intriguing, darker edge to their repertoire which will surely grab the attention of the more metalcore inclined. It will be interesting to see whether they continue to venture down this newly forged path in the future or whether this was the much needed pressure release valve following a turbulent period.
8/10
dissolution is out now now via Long Branch Records.
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