Genre/Influences: Industrial, metal, crossover.

Background/Info: The new Seraphim System album was released at the end of 2016. After the two self-released albums “Luciferium” is the third official full length by this American formation.

Content: Digital World Audio likes crossover bands and Seraphim System in a way matches with bands such as Rave The Requiem and the new-signed Deconbrio. I’m not saying that they all sound the same, but there’s a similar taste to mix electronics and metal guitar riffs. “Luciferium” sounds pure crossover and potential sources of inspiration might be Skinny Puppy, Ministry and related bands.

The work is powerful although sometimes driven by slow rhythms. But the real power is hidden in the guitar and the dark, tormented atmosphere hanging over the songs. The vocals feel a bit like an ambassador of evil forces. I guess the title of the work is not really of a coincidence.

+ + + : “Luciferium” sounds like a modern crossover production. The oppressive guitar riffs and dark, haunting atmospheres create a fascinating and somewhat disturbing sensation. You get the impression awakening in hell. I’ve a little preference for the slower cuts, on which the atmospheric side comes really through. The final part of the work is absolutely well-crafted and successful. The last song “Alive” evolves towards an amazing final revealing outstanding sound treatments and total power. Last, but not least I also want to mention the great and artistic artwork of this digipak format.

– – – : Seraphim System is not the most accessible band for a wider audience although they can convince electro- and metal fans. The sound formula is nothing new and in the purest good-old crossover style.

Conclusion: Seraphim System became an established and recognized formation in their genre. “Luciderium” is devilishly good!

Best songs: “Alive”, “Chaos”, “Serpent”, “Undoing”.

Rate: (8).

Band: www.facebook.com/seraphimsystem

Label: www.digitalworld.audio /   www.facebook.com/DigitalWorldAudio

Inferno Sound Diaries

I have been working for over 30 years with Side-line as the main reviewer. My taste is eclectic, uncoventional and I prefer to look for the pearls, even if the bands are completely unknown, thus staying loyal to the Side-Line philosophy of nurturing new talents.

www.side-line.com

Genre/Influences: Industrial-rock, electro-metal.

Background/Info: Deconbrio is an American formation driven by the creative spirit of its front man Danny Rendo. The band once started as a solo project, but now seems to have become a real band. After a self-released album (2008) and the official debut full length (cf. “Voyeur”) released in 2012 on Bitriot Records the band signed to Digital World Audio unleashing their newest opus during the end of 2016.

Content: The sound of Deconbrio sounds as a truly synthesis between electronics and guitar. The metal riffs are omnipresent and perfectly fit with the metal-orientated vocals. Most of the songs are driven through rock and metal influences while the electronic side is more in the background although always present.

The last part of the work reveals a few more explicit electronic elements. The song “Silence” reminds me of its electronic melody line to the worldwide dance hit from Push (cf. “Universal Nation”). This song is a kind of electro-instrumental intermezzo and not that entirely representative for the work Deconbrio.

+ + + : Deconbrio is not reinventing any style, but will definitely appeal to all lovers of metal music mixed with electronics. The hard and empowering guitar will for sure catch your attention, inciting some head banging. The vocals are reflecting the expression of a passionate singer. The electronic arrangements are not the main essence of this band’s work although it’s an essential element in the global production while getting more importance on a few cuts, which are my favorite ones. I also want to catch your attention for the impressive digipak format of this album, which is much more than discovering this album on streaming platforms.

– – – : Except a kind of electronic break somewhere in the midst of the work, “Hail To The Liar’s Throne” is not very diversified. That’s not really a main point, but I’m missing some climax –especially during the choruses. I often get the feeling that the songs are missing a few details.

Conclusion: Deconbrio deals with a wordwide renowned sound formula, which doesn’t bring anything new, but stands for the creative exposure of a contemporary crossover formation.

Best songs: “Feeling Remains”, “Liar’s Throne”, “Silence”, “Monster”.

Rate: (7).

Band: www.deconbrio.com / www.facebook.com/deconbrio

Label: www.digitalworld.audio /   www.facebook.com/DigitalWorldAudio

Inferno Sound Diaries

I have been working for over 30 years with Side-line as the main reviewer. My taste is eclectic, uncoventional and I prefer to look for the pearls, even if the bands are completely unknown, thus staying loyal to the Side-Line philosophy of nurturing new talents.

www.side-line.com