Time Signature The future of metal?

Genre: modern metal / power metal / thrash metal

Japanese rock band Nemophila pretty much kicked Youtube's metal community's ass when they released a reheasal version of the track 'Oiran' whose heaviness and sheer brutality caused thousands of jaws to hit the floor all over the world. Eventually, the band released the three-track EP "Oiran" which, in addition to the title track, features 'Monsters' and 'Life'.

'Oiran' is a modern metal track that combines thrash metal with incluences from metalcore such as breakdowns and down-tuned guitars - and don't worry, we're not talking lame-ass trite breakdowns. Right from the get-go, we're treated to aggressive riffage, a superb rhythm section, excellent lead guitars, and absolutely magnificent vocals that combine aggressive screams with melodic rock belting. Seriously, this is probably one of the best - if not the best - metal track to emerge from the Jrock scene (a scene which seems to generally be thriving very well). The song is well-performed and well-produced. It's aggressive as hell and catchy as fuck.

'Monster's is more of a power metal track with modern synth elements. It's definitely a great track, while not as ass-kicking as the title track. It's well -composed and features some great guitar solos as well as what I interpret as direct influences from 80s Helloween.

'Life' is more of a ballad with considerable pop-leanings and a very epic feel. It's my least favorite track on the album, but I still enjoy it. There's just no denying that it's a well-crafted song, and, if pop leanings are to be inserted into metal, I think this is the way to do it.

Nemophila's great level of musicianshop shines through with Saki and Hazuki's rhythm and lead guitar work being very impressive, while Muratamu is one of the best drummers out there. Haraguchi-san's solid bass work binds everything together, and vocalist Mayu has an absolutely amazing voice: she can scream, belt and sing clean, and it all sounds great. Just check her out on 'Oiran'. The song owes 50% of its greatness to her voice. These ladies know their way around their instruments!

If you're up for a lesson in the versatility of metal, check out this release.

[review originally posted at ProgFreak]