Insense - Soothing Torture - 2006 - Candlelight Records
Track Listing
1. Helplessness 2. Making Up For Lost Time 3. I, Deviant 4. Gasping For Air 5. Constriction 6. The Forgiving Embrace 7. Soothing Torture 8. Clawing At The Nerve 9. A Prayer For The Feeble 10. Fallout
"Soothing Torture" marks this Norwegian metalcore's second record to date and first release here in the US. The band released this album back in 2005 through Black Balloon records and now it is getting a domestic release courtesy of powerhouse label Candlelight Records. With this sort of hardcore stance and mosh pit availability, Insense will find plenty of eyes and ears here on red, white, & blue shores. The group rage through nine cuts of technical and precise abrasive metal scrapings, all served up with a rather loose production courtesy of singer Tommy Hjelm. The band showcase some really comprehensive song patterns and structures with all ingredients and elements leaning into that spiral design of aggression and harsh overtones. This tunnel is designed to eventually lead into the very heart of melody and accessible vocals. Hjelm uses a gruff, hardcore vocal approach but mixes in some clean vocal passages that really help "level" and focus the band into more melodic aspirations. There are A LOT of these bands going around but rarely do you find an act concentrate on the progressive side of their craft. Insense is a band that really focuses all energy and creative vision on developing a sense of atmosphere and rock sensibilities. The end result is a fantastic album that really can be neatly absorbed by the metalcore enthusiast while still entertaining and pleasing the progressive alchemists. Highly recommended for fans of Slipknot, Diecast, and Fear Factory.
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