It is pretty well documented that in recent times technical metal bands under the (incredibly annoying and awkward) “djent” tagline have proven hugely popular and thus very numerous; in fact they seem to be bloody everywhere. If there is one guarantee in this vastly overcrowded terrain however is that if Basick Records are behind it, it is very much worth your attention. Step forward new recruits, the simply titled Bear and their Noumenon (Basick Records) album.
Noumenom (the band’s second full length and first for new home Basick) sees Bear continue their formula which puts a somewhat new spin on “djent” style without quite sending it off a completely different trajectory. Taking that ever familiar Meshuggah guitar tone and riff style with hardcore’s pace and fury and The Dillinger Escape Plan’s sense of dynamism and controlled chaos, Noumenom certainly shows the likeness of many of their peers but with a more aggressive streak and punk like attitude, whilst simultaneously fitting in with the progressive metal, forward thinking notion.
Certainly the band’s most high profile release to date, Noumenom is a welcome addition to the over populated tech scene, but also gives off a sense that these guys haven’t quite reached their potential yet. It is definitely a fresh take on the style but it also isn’t the most memorable. Given time however and Bear could prove to be a shot of adrenaline in the arm of a scene which could begin to need a little energising.
7/10
Chris Tippell