BERMUDA
The Wandering
[Mediaskare Records]
Verdict: 8/10
RIYL: ION DISSONANCE, MESHUGGAH, WAR FROM A HARLOTS MOUTH & VOLUMES
Hailing from Southern California, not Australia, BERMUDA perform a brand of progressive heaviness that is reminiscent of MESHUGGAH but with an angrier approach. Destructive and powerful, The Wandering, the bands 1st full length, rages and decimates everything in it’s path, without being too over the top but having just enough face smashing brutality to keep the masses excited. Trying to remain still or not feel and act upon the urge to destroy or ‘dance’ till you drop while listening to this record is a damn near impossible feat. BERMUDA aren’t out to change this genre, but show that there is a delicate balance of too much and not enough. They stay right on course and continue their carnage throughout the albums 11 tracks. Focusing mostly on what makes a metal record, well, metal: Pure, Unadulterated Aggression. They even experiment even further by incorporating different vocal styles on the track ‘Sachael’. Yes, they use cleans, but they aren’t nasally or distracting and add an element of haunting atmosphere. The musicianship shines through on the track ‘Lagrange Pointe’ as guitarists Tyler Lazano and Michael Fabiano create a soundscape so vivid and invigorating, you almost forget to be angry. This leads into the most MESHUGGAH like track on the record, title track ‘The Wandering’ is a monster of a beat down and leaves the listener for dead, but begging for more. The Wandering‘s 45 minute run time may distract some listeners used to barely 30 minute full lengths, but every second is worth the listen. BERMUDA may not be game changers, but with The Wandering, they prove that’s not a bad thing. Someone needs to show how it’s done. -by Jon Hole
Recommended listening: ‘Intuitions’, ‘In Trenches’& ‘Polaris Breach’ and ‘Obstruction’ if you’re brave enough.
Guest appearances: Kevin McCaughey of ION DISSONANCE on ‘In Trenches’
Release date: July 17, 2012 (?maybe?)
In conclusion…BERMUDA have unleashed a monstrous record with The Wandering. Nothing here is beautiful or pretty. Get over it. This is true aggression.
