Hacride - Lazarus

July 22, 2009

Reviewer: Peter

France’s history when it comes to metal bands is spotty, at best.  Sure, there is the most well-known band to come from there in Gojira, but they are also known for great prog power (Spheric Universe Experience), some really good folk metal (Hantaoma, Stille Volk, etc.), and a bunch of Meshuggah imitators.  Hacride has actually been around since 2001, which would suggest that they have had some albums under their belt.  However, to many of the listeners in North America, they remain largely unknown.

This year brings about a new Hacride album in Lazarus, which is likely an introduction of the band to some people.  According to the press notes, they take their cues from bands such as Meshuggah, Neurosis, and Gojira.  The last of the three should be of little surprise, since Gojira has met with some level of “mainstream” success.  Their overall sound is mid-paced metal that seems to be more refined than Meshuggah’s sound, yet remains too rough around the edges to truly make the big impact they desire.  The opener “To Walk Among Them” will definitely challenge the listener, and not just for the fact that at fifteen minutes, is the audio equivalent of a labyrinth.  This is both good and bad in the sense that while it dares to challenge the listener, it also loses some steam towards the end of the song.  The next two tracks didn’t really offer much that wasn’t on the opening track, but the instrumental “Phenomenon” gives the listener a chance to catch their breath while taking in what the band is capable of from a music standpoint.  The highlight of the album is “Awakening.”  The song features some clean vocals to kick off the song, and then provides something of an aural illusion, as it challenges the mind and leads into vocals that rarely go over the line, but are done to where the energy level remains the same and not much is lost from beginning to end.  The word “challenge” is the operative word when talking about Lazarus, and certainly, more than a few listens will be required to grasp what is going on in the album.

Hacride is unafraid to challenge the listener, even if it is likely to take a long time for them to get what is happening on their albums.  Lazarus lives up to this reputation, as perhaps even the most intellectual listener will have a hard time getting all of the album in two or three listens.  The music still has some rough edges to sort out, but overall, the band will at least take hours out of your time.  That is, if you are up to the task.

Release Date: April 20th, 2009
Label: Listenable Records

TRACK LISTING

1. To Walk Among Them
2. Act of God
3. Lazarus
4. Phenomenon
5. A World of Lies
6. Awakening
7. My Enemy

Total playing time: 58:01

*By clicking "Submit" you agree to the following Terms of Use. You agree not to post any material that is obscene, slanderous, or threatening, or that may violate any law of your country of origin or the United States or of international law. Should you wish to restrict viewing of your email address by third parties, you must select "Hide My Email." You agree to indemnify and hold harmless Metal Psalter from any claims, actions, suits, damages, or other costs arising out of any breach of these Terms of Use.

*Comments: