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IMMINENT SONIC DESTRUCTION “Floodgate”
IMMINENT SONIC DESTRUCTION “Floodgate”
By Dr. Abner Mality
The band name kind of leads you to think they are a thrash metal or hardcore band, but this Detroit outfit describes themselves as “progressive super metal”. Great, another meaningless micro-genre. Actually, I detected a lot of grunge in their musical vibe, with a lot of thick, syrupy riffs and languorous vocal harmonies. Gradually, the progressive elements began to assert themselves as the album went on, but I actually preferred their more grungy moments. It was almost like a combo of ALICE IN CHAINS grooves with DREAM THEATER keyboards around the edges.
They definitely have their moments, but they all come early. “Floodgate I” grooves and slithers along with down-tuned riffs that have that AIC flair to them. I’m not sure what’s “prog” about it, but it works as a song. “Memento Mori” is equally heavy but has a real ethereal feel due to the keyboard work. The lead vocals are kind of thin sounding but that also fits the mood. “No One” hits with straight up aggression and a semi-thrash crunch, but later ventures into more melodic moments. These first three songs had my attention all the way through.
With “The Game”, a more moody approach begins to take hold. The grunge feeling is still there, but a melancholy modern prog angle becomes more prominent, something like recent FATES WARNING. I did like how “Find Center” works its way from a mellow, introspective beginning to something more triumphant and spiritual. But from there, things really slow down, as almost every track favors subdued moments as much as heavy ones. “The Weight” is especially keyboard heavy and lost my interest. The album ending epic “Floodgate II” just kind of weaves in and out of your head without leaving much impact.
In the end, IMMINENT SONIC DESTRUCTION offer up a mixed bag on “Floodgate”. If you like moody modern prog like LEPROUS and PORCUPINE TREE as well as grunge elements, add some additional points, but this really isn’t my main jam.
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