Recommended Aussie Tunes:Psycroptic | The new single "A Fragile Existence" | Listen

Album Reviews : The Arbitrary Method – Augmentation

By on February 21, 2016

a3664045819_16An industrial/electronic metal label on music always carries a few connotations, for better or for worse. On the one hand, you have the promise of interesting samples and a new layer of leads with synthesizers that can add so much to the music. On the other hand, there’s the potential of monotonous, simplistic guitar riffs, repetitive drums, and shoehorned nu metal style lyrics. The Arbitrary Method’s release Augmentation has its fair share of both.

The album kicks off with an ambient build up in “Augmentation,” leading to an upbeat “Divide the Devil.” I admit that the background leads and the early Matt Heafy-esque vocals are definitely to the band’s credit. “The Mirror” is pretty stock standard industrial fare, with all the bells and whistles as if taken from a check list. “Enslaved”  tries its best to stand out with a bouncy riff, but the background pad and the intermittent sound effects get in the way, leading to fairly generic verses overall. “Defy” is probably the most memorable track on the album, with a catchy introduction and a dynamic chorus. The other two tracks, “Don’t Let Go,” and “Into Insanity,” pass by almost unnoticed, the former being difficult to sit through without giggling a little.

“Augmentation” is a release that would sound more at home in the early 2000s, back when fans were still enthralled with nu metal and the growing metalcore trend. By today’s standards, it doesn’t stand up as well. If you’re a fan of Spineshank or Mushroomhead, you may want to check this one out.

About

Benjen is a qualified teacher residing in the south-east suburbs of Perth. Benjen was introduced to hard rock at the age of 12 with Papa Roach's "Love-Hate Tragedy," and has developed a love for hard rock and metal since. He also has a keen interest in gaming and almost every fandom imaginable, from Doctor Who to Deadpool. He can be followed on Twitter @thetoadmode