One Step Beyond - BeyondGood and Evil(independent)

Thu 27th Sep, 2007 in Music Reviews

Local Adelaide band One Step Beyond are finally about to release their second album Beyond Good and Evil. It has been what feels like an incredibly long time since their debut album Life Imitates Art was released, but not all of the delay was the band’s fault.

Talented guitarist Jeremy Lammas died in a tragic car accident in 2006, an event that rocked the metal community in Adelaide, and which understandably put things on hold. This album was recorded before Jeremy died, and it is a fitting tribute to him and his skill. For those who knew Jeremy and his style, this album will throw you into a little-expected state of sentimentality.

If you haven’t encountered OSB before, I am not going to try and pigeon-hole them into a genre, because they defy classification. A blend of extreme metal, jazz, reggae, hip hop, rock. It’s all there. It’s a blend that you wouldn’t think could ever work as well as it does, until you hear it. After you do, you’ll never go back.

A smooth, beautiful production, Beyond Good and Evil is a pleasure to listen to from start to finish. All the tracks are those that the band has been playing for a long time, but they are so well presented here that all of it feels new. The production values are very high, which belies its independent nature. The sound is of that out-there smoothness that typifies OSB, from the supremely tranquil and meditative ‘Depth of Mind’ to the ferocious, rampaging ‘Birth of Disease’, to the now-hesitant, now-blistering ‘Made for Cable’, this album is the local release of the year.

As for the rest of the album, the artwork was supplied courtesy of Pierre Bourgeault and layout developed through a collaboration between bassist Matt and Don Taylor ( Martire, Tzun Tzu). It, too, was a long time coming, but it is of a standard that supports the album and adds the final, elegant touch. The other beauty of it is that, looking at the art, you’d never guess what the band sounds like!

Go and grab this album; it will quite possibly be the most out-there release you’ll buy this year, and there is no way you’ll regret it. It’s just fantastic.

An independent release, this album will be launched on October 12 at the Crown & Anchor in Adelaide.

For more information about purchasing it, head here