Friday, August 25, 2023

Coma - Mindless (2013)

 
Cost: $1.99

The aesthetics here made me think this was going to have death metal influences. To me, the logo looks like something a technical DM or melodeath band might use, and while the old anatomical illustrations on the cover and in the booklet are very cool visually, they seem like a poor fit with the actual music, which is pretty straightforward thrash. It's much better than I expected and quite above average for a bargain bin find, but it doesn't particularly distinguish itself as a thrash album beyond being a decent listen. While the riffage is clearly inspired by '80s US thrash, it doesn't feel overly old school or retro-obsessed (which I probably would have liked more). There are a few touches of modern grooviness I could have done without, but thankfully most of the modernity remains in the production, rather than the playing. 

While the faster tracks like "Under Attack" are pleasant to listen to while they're on, unfortunately this album is largely carried by speed and energy rather than great songwriting. At 0:45 there's a slow riff that kinda reminds me of Pentagram's "Demoniac Possession," but sadly they never revisit this and there's nothing else anywhere near as evil sounding on the rest of the album. Aside from that part, there's pretty much zero memorability for me here. The vocals tend to get kind of screamy but remain serviceable (though the cleaner vocals are more reminiscent of someone like Peavy Wagner), although most of the gang vocals seemed unnecessary. Worth what I paid, but admittedly not great, merely competent.

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