The Pitch: Czech Republic's Deminonde share their 2016 album Cygnus Oddyssey. Dark, progressive, sci fi-influenced metal with a comic book twist. FFO Umbah, Devin Townsend, Anaal Nathrakh
What I Like: Very creative, and chaotic in a good way. I can safetly say that I haven't heard too many albums that sound quite like this one aside from maybe Enter the Dagobah Core. Tracks like "Te Kore" and "Singularity" have a little more of a straightforward industrial metal vibe, but the sonic landscape can change very quickly with Demimonde. The guitars play with crunchy, mechanized grooves; but also melodeath harmonies, solos, and everything in between. The vocals are even more schizoid, jumping from Strapping Young Lad snarls to avant-garde baritone to effects-distorted speaking. And throughout this melee of sounds we get a heaping dose of synth work with equal range. "Data Breed" is a nice snapshot with its strange droning noises, choral singing, symphonic flourishes, and general experimentation.
What I Don't Like: The vocals can be a little rough. I'm all about being weird and experimental, but the singing parts should still stay on key. I also could stand just a little more structure, and better balance between the avant-garde and and the accessible.
The Verdict: A great album for those seeking a more unique sound; one that stands apart from the endless hordes of death and industrial metal artists. Cygnus Oddyssey is not a perfect experiment, but it is another which holds plenty of promise for the future.
Flight's Fav's: Te Kore, Singularity