DYSTOLOGY
DYSTOLOGY “Natural Instinct”
By Dr. Abner Mality
This is a real breath of fresh air in the local Northern Illinois metal scene where I dwell. The Rockford area is kind of known as being the place where it’s always 1998...nu-metal still rules here and people seem to think LIMP BIZKIT is a happening band. That’s what makes DYSTOLOGY sound so fresh...these guys are progressive metal in the truest sense and have more in common with RUSH than FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH.
It’s hard to put an exact finger on what DYSTOLOGY plays. In addition to RUSH, I hear some influences from MEGADETH, METALLICA, DREAM THEATER, full on prog rock and even jazz fusion. The songs are built on flowing, interlocking riffs, often arpeggiated, and some killer lead guitar jams from David Buzzo. No, I don’t think he’s King Buzzo’s son so don’t look for much MELVINS here! But the band has an almost playful flair in how they twist and turn. There’s two connected instrumentals...”The Legend of Bob Sanner” and “Crimson”...that when played together reminded me of nothing so much as RUSH’s “La Villa Strangiato”! The former tune is a more mellow fusion piece with a bit of flamenco guitar while the latter rocks hard. Man, I never thought to hear a band like this from around here!
Every track here has got something to recommend it. Buzzo’s lead guitar work is exceptional while the bass/drum interplay of Josh Gingotta and Chris Feehan is spot on. The band can also get pretty heavy when they want to...”Faded Dreams” has thrashing riffs and harsh vocals while “Crush, Kill, Destroy” is a battle metal song. As for vocals...well, that’s where they may need some work. Buzzo’s clean vocals are very earnest and in no way bad, but I kept wondering what DYSTOLOGY would sound like with someone like Ray Alder or Geoff Tate fronting the band. Feehan’s harsh vocals are acceptable but not anything fresh. So there’s room for improvement in this aspect of the band.
I really give “Natural Instinct” my full endorsement and really look forward to what this band can do in the future. Check them out!