Aquefrigide- Un Caso Isolato

Fans of such progressive but heavy acts as System Of A Down, Korn and Tool might want to check out this new band from Italy. While their debut album on SubSound Records suffers from the same complex-for-the-sake-of-complexity arrangements as similar American projects, the fact that all of singing is done in Italian makes this interesting even to those who aren’t normally interested in the genre. “Soffio Veleno” and “Carne Cruda,” for example, are pretty run-of-the-mill new school metal with hints of hardcore, but the extended rolled consonants make them seem exotic and cool. “Trota” shows off more of a punk influence, with frantic shouts and power chords over a surprisingly funky drumbeat, while “Strix” incorporates industrial production elements with its programmed effects and electronic backing rhythms. There are also a couple of acoustic tracks thrown into the mix for variety; “Fragile No Elektro” is a bit like one of Ozzy Osbourne’s ballads, but “Begetale” is simply stunning, with grunge vocals in the vein of Staind’s slower work giving way to emotional, raw-throated screams, all over a muted but intense guitar strum. An unexpected pleasure marred by only by a few derivative moments, this is a must-have for fans of progressive metal and intelligent stoner rock.

Visit Aquefrigide online at www.aquefrigide.it.