AutomatoN - Sub Coma (album review) |Machine Man Records, 2017| 5/5
1. Sub Coma, 2. Automata, 3. Deus Machine, 4. Corperate Oxide, 5. Get
Out, 6. Bionic Rain, 7. Run, 8. State of Creation, 9. Thought Process,
10. Light Bending, 11. Demise, 12. As the Ship Burns, 13. Silence
This is a concept album to tell the story of a violent space battle
between humans and Synths which started in August, 2717 and lasted four
days.
Sub Coma is the first of the trilogy (together with
Human Purge and
III: A New Life).
The album begins on a heavy note with the title track. Arrangements roll
out slowly. Listener are introduced to the story behind the album's
concept which speaks of an isolated spaceship where Synths took over and
were not controlled by the human crew anymore. The human astronauts
feel threatened and hopeless, so they record memos while awaiting death.
Their reports and observations are cleverly mixed with low tuned
guitars, often played in unison. Occasional lyrics are sung with a
contrasting, higher voice.
Next, dynamic electro lines open 'Automata', followed by grounding,
vibrating guitar riffs. Moods vary between conflicted - frustrated and
sad, expressing the readiness to rebel, then submission. Progressive
metal meets djent here - a common theme throughout the whole of the
album.
'Deus Ex Machine' won't show mercy for your ears. Here, the fight
between humans and Synths gets real. Guitar riffs simulate rapidly shot
bullets and squirting blood. The vocals are angry and growled, supported
by higher backing vocals. The bass plays in unison with guitars, with
complex drum lines providing a perfect fit.
The following track, 'Corporate Oxide' continues the hateful release.
Drum beats and riffs accelerate immensely here. The verses include
growled vocals and complex structures, but the choruses seem to have
been written in compliance with Fear Factory's most famous sound (high
vocals sung in quasi-childish manner), supported by a heavy metal
background. The short ending part is completely different, kept in an
electro vibe.
If you love 90s industrial metal in the vein of
N17,
Bile or
Ministry,
the next track is dedicated to you. 'Get Out' steals the show for all
the good reasons. It is based on a simple composition but driven by
powerful, repetitive arrangements (for guitars, bass, drums, and
vocals), which resonate within the listener's body, giving it a desired
chill. 'Get Out' brings an atmosphere of doom, threat, and domination -
indestructible demonic energy spills out in every direction here.
In contrast to that, and perhaps to let you catch a breath, the
follow-up entitled 'Bionic Rain' sounds quite positive, despite of the
angry vocals utilized in verses. The song uses a classic rock and metal
composition and could easily be a radio hit. After that, 'Run' again
falls into the tune of
Fear Factory and
Mnemic - expressed by solid, repetitive, heavier tunes and distorted vocals mixed with lighter electronic music at times.
Fast, dynamic tempo and djent-like arrangements are the driving forces
behind 'State of Creation'. The contrast between high and low tunes
sounds very pleasing and makes the brain easily switch between such
amplitudes. Drumming is the most underlined instrumentation in this
track but at times surrenders enough space to let guitars lead the way
till the end of the song. Next, 'Thought Process' mixes electronica with
low tuned guitars. The vocals here are expressive in their anger, then
replaced with memorable innocence. All this is spiced up by soul-tearing
solo riffs.
'Light Bending' bring melodies of sheer beauty for all ears. The wall of
sound increases and decreases, enhanced with both kinds of vocals, as
heard before. It's characterized by sudden changes in tempo, where
arrangements are cut rapidly then replaced - and by memorable choruses.
All the song writing techniques should keep your ears full and
interested enough to follow on.
Afterwards, 'Demise' lets you experience catharsis through powerful and
complex arrangements. The composition is built upon contrasts, where
hellish doom meets divine beauty. In the beginning, a sensitive ear may
find the electronic background not very much in sync with guitars and
drums, yet there is no trace of an unacceptable discord here. During the
choruses, the whole song shines victoriously like the rays of a new
dawn. In the ending part of the track, the arrangements and general mood
touch one’s heart so deeply that the more sensitive among you may shed a
tear or two. The verses drag you forcefully back into the darker side
of music. It totally makes sense to press 'stop' after hearing 'Demise'
to let your heart cope with emotions a bit better, until you're able to
continue listening to the last two tracks of the album.
The battle for the ship is over 'As the Ship Burns'. Whether humans have
won or not, it's time for evacuation before mass destruction erases all
of its current crew. The song's atmosphere brings tension, yet the
music can become quite peaceful at times. It's the longest track on this
release and is definitely memorable thanks to the ending choruses. The
whole fight will never be forgotten.
The final scene: the sky is filled with smoke. The only survivor looks
on as the burning parts of the exploded spaceship fade in the outer
space. Emotions of sadness, realization of loss mixed with relief are
expressed through electronic sounds, piano tones, and a dead-tired
automaton's report. Love energy and beauty radiate from 'Silence'
strongly, thus sensitive, imaginative listeners may burst into tears
again.
AutomatoN's
Sub Coma album is a purifier of a record. There are
melodies, smart passages between arrangements, the vibe of both doomsday
and victory, and a heart-opening catharsis experience. The band has
been founded by Nate Exx Gradowski. Judging by the complexity of
arrangements, compositions, and the overall amazing performance, nobody
could have guessed it's the work of a single person. Nate's not a
newbie, however - he's been a member of Isolated Antagonist since 2014.
Fans of Fear Factory, Mnemic, Dagoba, Sybreed or Strapping Young Lad, as
well as hard sci-fi stories will be greatly pleased with this release
and should definitely hunt down the remaining two parts of the trilogy.
If you're however into different genres, you should give
Sub Coma a try simply because it may drastically influence your musical interests and broaden your horizons.
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Reviewed by
Fabryka Industrial Rock & Metal Encyclopedia
