Pyogenesis formed in 1990 as a death metal band. Nowadays the band play rock. Why on Earth bands don't change their names if they totally change their music styles? This album is the second full length from the band and alternative rock elements played a big part here already, but the name changing wasn't yet an issue with this album.

After death metal origins, Pyogenesis sucked early 1990s Paradise Lost and Type O Negative influences. When they felt the metal music stagnating, the band mixed alternative rock elements in, and created an unique mixture of their own. I haven't heard any other band playing this kind of music. From the rock spectrum, I can name Therapy? and Cranberries. Therapy? just generally, Cranberries especially because of nice female vocals on three songs. Most of the songs feature heavy riffing while still rocking out. Generally, vibe is on darker side. Poppier elements stick out sharp, but more like "what he fuck?!" way, in happier vibes and cleaner male vocals. Hell, this ain't too easy to write about! The album is too long. Bonus track 'Mutz Umst Erben' is totally crap, and short moody piece 'Bar Infernale' is another "why?" song.

Playing is energetic and it rocks. Sound is heavy, not polished and still every detail is well noticeable. Vocals are a matter of "yes/no". Harsher male vocals and even some growls are accompanied by cleaner vocals. Singing skills are infinitesimal, but when it comes from heart it shouldn't matter. And it really doesn't.

As mentioned, this sounds quite fucking unique even today and certainly was a brave step for the band. Definitely one of those records I can't listen every day. Sometimes this sounds shite, some days hot, simply depending of my moods. One day I could easily get rid of this, the other day not. However, 'Twinaleblood' has remained in my record collection since when it was released. Hence the score.

Rating: 6½ (out of 10) ratings explained

Reviewed by Lane
09/24/2004 21:59