VÓRTICE — Human Engine (review)

VÓRTICE — Human Engine album cover Album · 2008 · Groove Metal Buy this album from MMA partners
3/5 ·
Conor Fynes
'Zombie' - Vortice (6/10)

In my review of their first album, 'Human Engine', I noted that while Spanish math metal band Vortice was quite good at what they do, there was a lack of originality in their sound that obscured the quality of their otherwise powerful grooves and rhythmic ventures. The band whom Vortice ripped much of their sound from is Meshuggah, and while it is true that many bands have been inspired by Meshuggah to make likeminded music (binding themselves under the style label of 'djent' nowadays), Vortice didn't really add much to the formula of Meshuggah, instead seeming almost like they were intentionally replicating a sound that was not theirs. I therefore went into their second album 'Zombie' with the hopes that they would at least bring something a little different or even unique on their second time around. Sadly, 'Zombie' sees Vortice doing the exact same thing they did on 'Human Engine', and I would dismiss the album completely if it weren't for the admittedly excellent musicianship and killer grooves that the band plays here.

Vortice generally consists of heavy palm-muted riffs that repeat in order to get a steady rhythm going, lulling the listener into a sync of sorts which their deep rhythms and harsh, yet clear sound. The formula is one that Meshuggah pioneered and practically perfected, so there is nothing new to mine, or any math metaller's ears when hearing this. Even their singer has an angry shout that could pass for Meshuggah vocalist Jens Kidman any day. While I will never understand why an artist would want to merely copy another band's sound, Vortice indeed do it very well. There are not many melodies or 'pretty' sounding things here, but I found myself banging my head quite a few times as the album went on. Vortice have a really effective way of building up their rhythms, and while I cannot say much for these songs being memorable on their own, the whole of 'Zombie' paints a powerful experience of heaviness, intelligently calculated use of time signatures, and riffs that are great for leaving the ears ringing.

I cannot say that I am a fan of Vortice for the simple fact that they do not bring anything new to the table that other bands (or another band, in this case) haven't already done better before, but for what it is, it is a good piece of math metal that I could confidently recommend to someone who likes the style more than me.
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