Trinity Test "Waiting for the Rebirth" CD
[self-released]
Here's some rhythmic metal/metallic hardcore that throws out a shitload of changes and influences. Quirky jazz-esque breaks complete with clean or acoustic guitars akin to something you'd expect from earlier Mr. Bungle, Converge-esque chaotic runs, divebomb solos lifted straight from classic Slayer, technical flurries of notes ala The Dillinger Escape Plan, etc. It's not bad, although as with most of this stuff the writing and arranging could use a bit more emphasis on flow and transitions. The main thing that annoys me is the vocal approach, which is pretty typical screaming that doesn't really add to the music. I'm not saying the music is particularly original, but they do some interesting shit, and I can really get into portions of the disc, such as the intro to the title track, which is one of the most melodic and memorable moments on the CD. The band's playing could be tighter, but I wouldn't say they're sloppy. The recording is alright for a demo too, I've heard full-lengths that sound worse, but it does need work. Overall it's a little muddy, and the vocals jump out. I'd add some clarity to the drums and the bass, smooth out the guitar distortion, reign in the vocals, and then maybe experiment with more vocal styles (such as the brief singing in "By the Way I Lied"). I'm not wild about the packaging just because the illustrations of skulls and medical procedures and whatnot are somewhat juvenile, tolerably and artistically so, but still, a bit rough. I wouldn't have put the disc in a jewel case since there's only a booklet, but I guess those are more convenient than slim plastic bags for most people. The lyrics are pretty damn weird, and I can't say I know what they're going for. They're not bad per se, but they're certainly strange. "Here they sleep with heads in glass jars patiently waiting for the rebirth. Infected with saline, skin wrinkling and falling off, we are frozen, there's no way out. Trapped in ice, with our lids sewn open, it seems that the ashes we eat will last for years..." They could definitely do something with this, a few of the riffs on this thing are fucking killer. But none of the songs are consistently excellent. They need to offer up a bit more to separate themselves from all of the other bands of their ilk and prove what they can really do. They're very close. Honestly, a tighter performance, cleaner recording, and a more professional presentation would probably solidify their position. (5/10)
Running time - 13:05, Tracks: 4
[Notable tracks: Waiting for the Rebirth]
Trinity Test - http://www.trinitytest.com

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