Band: No Consequence
Release: IO
Release Date: Out Now!
Basick Records really do set the benchmark when it comes to intelligent, modern progressive metal – they’ve had many of the best acts out there on their roster at one time or another.
By signing No Consequence and giving them the space to develop their sound, they have once again shown phenomenal foresight. In the four years since the band’s debut full-length ‘In The Shadow Of Gods’ they’ve come on leaps and bounds, and the resultant record is a textbook-perfect work of tech metal that’s sure to elevate them to the highest level in the scene.
On ‘IO’, No Consequence amalgamate a wealth of styles and techniques from basically all the credible metal/hardcore sub-genres and deliver the resultant noise in technically dexterous, smartly executed bursts.
Flagship single ‘Coerce: Conform’ is a good place to start if you’ve not yet heard what these guys are all about. It’s ridiculously complex, but irresistibly catchy. As the relentless beat-downs give way to swooping vocal melodies, before being replaced once more by more frenetic guitar licks you’ll be consistently surprised by what comes next. Only one thing will be certain: whatever mad thing these guys are doing, it’s never not awesome!
Dan Reid and Harry Edwards use their fast fingers to create sonic chaos that oscillates frequently between chugging metallic sections and grandiose, atmospheric guitar parts. Highlights include riffs that Shai Hulud would be proud of on ‘Enemy Of Logic’ and ‘Illusion Of Choice’, and the excellent deployment of staccato licks throughout.
Kaan Tasan displays real vocal dexterity throughout ‘IO’. Whether he’s belting out guttural roars, or soaring vocal melodies – such as those on the incredibly atmospheric ‘Sentient’ – his performance is never less than captivating.
The drum work offered up by progressive artists is always impeccable, but Colin Bentham really out-does himself on this record. As you would expect, every snare hit and double-pedal pattern is played with mechanical precision, but it’s his creative use of ghost notes and the hi-hat pedal that really makes him a pleasure to listen to on this offering.
The flawless musicianship and creative song writing on ‘IO’ make it one of the finest progressive releases of the year, and well worth a listen, but it’s what the future has in store for No Consequence that we’re most interested in here at HTF. They’ve clearly mastered the tried-and-tested techniques within this genre. What if they just keep getting getter? Album number three could be a real game changer.
9/10
Reviewer: Solomon Radley
