Segression - Never Dead

Thu 28th Apr, 2011 in Music Reviews

After nearly a decade of hibernation the leaders of the Australian heavy music scene Segression are back, but Never Dead is worth the wait.

Their standing as one of Australia’s premier metal act creates a certain expectation especially considering the bands extended hiatus and what some consider below par outing with their 2002 self titled album. Well it pleases me to say that this album has delivered on so many levels. Firstly they have really tuned down their annoying effects present on some of their previous albums and delivered a raw somewhat understated pure sound.

They kick off the album with an absolute ball tearing entree called black lace, black day. The title song is next and is a demonic sounding tune that tells the listener that they are back. Hero Anthem is a catchy tune with the spooky but funk influenced wishing well is next and serves as a reminder of the bands new comfort with their sounds.

Gaspipe is heavy and has serious grunt. This is followed by a subtly placed instrumental that shows how they have fused past and present sounds into something quite unique. This helping developed into two parts called reality playroom works ever so well. The album continues to ooze originality and finishes on heavy but meaningful finale with misery.

To generalise and call it a metal album would selling the band short. It’s new it’s heavy, it’s funky, it’s original. It’s metal at it’s best but It’s not all about double bass drums and overclocked tempos. I finally have a heavy album I can give to friends that like other genres so they can fully appreciate what metal acts have to offer.

One thing to fault on this album is the plain black cover. It may have some significance to the band or a song but I missed it. It also doesn’t scream pick me up at the record store. Something tells me that the band was more interested in the music rather than the cover.