The creation of the "supergroup" was once an enticing proposition, yet over the years, the concept has become watered down and repetitive. Recent projects of a similar persuasion generally achieve a cash grab rather than an impact, resulting in suspicions surfacing at the announcement of yet another supergroup. For this specific collaboration, members of Mudvayne, Hellyeah, and Skrape unite to test their strengths against the likes of previous major successors like Down and A Perfect Circle. Approaching this album, one can hope that the intent resides in substance rather than economic gain.
Guitarist Greg Tribbett, drummer Matt McDonough, vocalist Billy Keeton, and bassist Perry Stern are assisted by engineer Tim Laud for this self-produced debut via Napalm Records (currently representing Coal Chamber, Satyricon, Moonspell, The Sword, etc). As previously stated, my expectations are a bit tampered by the current connotation of a "supergroup," yet Tribbett's statement claiming the sound could be characterized as 'Progressive Hard Rock' certainly sparked the interest of myself and likely others. As two of the twelve tracks already released, the material so far is somewhat accurate to the acclaimed fused genre while holding a modern take on late 90's alternative.
"Headshot," being one of the two publicized tracks, leaned more on the hard rock side of the spectrum while cutting the BS and going straight for the heated chorus. The straight-forward manner is a common theme for the musical aesthetic continuing onward on this album. While this notion is true for "All We Know," Keeton's melody possesses a unique rise-and-fall flow while still clinging to a machismo delivery. What seems to be a successful stylistic mash of Nirvana meets Drowning Pool, "LYLAB," documents a failed relationship, revealing the acronym to be 'Love You Like A Bitch.' Coming straight outta Mudvayne Lost & Found-era, "The Calling" holds a riff and structure with a very strong album single sensibility. The "H2O (Interlude)" is as it is titled, a rainy ambience transition to the next track, "Swim." All four musicians seem to be in unison for this piece, topping it off with a phenomenal piano outro. Halfway through the album and the idea of Billy Keeton as the new Mudvayne vocalist is starting to grow on me.
Contemporary metal paced rhythms are balanced with alternative/art rock verses on "Disguise Your Devils," creating a memorable blend. The aural appeal begins to fade but the lyrical execution of "Burn the Sky" mends that issue as "Light it up/Our shadows back to the wall/Paper souls/Watch the sun burn it all" scowls are repeated. "Distorted" and "Darken the Rainbow" is where I see the originality petering out with a leaning towards the genre's conventions out in the open. For "Frozen Scars," the slow tempo is refreshing, but surely drags on too long. The title track closer consists of experimental backmasking and sound manipulation, which honestly just sounds like a loop sample of someone pissing. For the most part, this second half of the record is slightly forgettable in comparison to its counterpart.
When a supergroup forms, the common curiosity to arise usually focuses on if it exceeds beyond the members' past bands. In Audiotopsy's case, there are three bands to address. Is it better than the modern supergroup, Hellyeah? Heck yeah, it is! But does it compete with the more groundbreaking Mudvayne? Quite debatable, but most would argue not. Mudvayne succeeded due to several solid reasons: having heavy and accessible song structures while gaining from being in right place at the right time. As far as I'm concerned, Billy Keeton's past band, Skrape, never wholly received mainstream success, but I'm glad his vocal presence is given justice here.
All in all, this debut exceeded my expectations. The melodies tiptoe on the radio-friendly tightrope, but surprisingly and fortunately never stoop to conventional pop hooks. The sad truth lays in the fact that if Audiotopsy hit the scene approximately a decade ago, they would likely meet a more forgiving success story. Natural Causes comes through with a remarkable amount of energy, yet falters with a weaker latter half. Now that they have their foot in the door, I look forward to where this group can take their direction on a follow-up.
7.5/10
You can click the image below to listen to "The Calling"
Preview/purchase on iTunes by clicking here
