CANOBLISS
"Liberation
of Dissonance" (Self-produced; 2007)
Reviewed by R. Scott Bolton
Canobliss is one of the most original bands out there, and "Liberation of Dissonance" is more evidence of just that.
The genius of Canobliss is that the band blends all types of metal, from Slipknot's extreme fury to Disturbed's funky groove to Ministry's political anger to Judas Priest's pure metal. Unlike other bands that emulate their influences, however, Canobliss takes hints of all styles and combines them to make their own. The result is a CD with tracks that will keep you guessing while at the same time keep you rocking ... hard.
"Riot" starts things off with a slashing guitars and an almost melodic chorus. "Insurrection" takes things up a notch with a Pantera-march rhythm and growling vocals. The title track comes closest to emulating Disturbed but still maintains a life of its own. Then along comes "DIYE," which could almost be a radio hit with its rollicking rhythm and smooth vocals.
As I said above, there's no guessing what Canobliss is going to do next on "Liberation of Dissonance." You'll get the general feel of the album from the first few tracks but from that point on you're on a journey through a variety of styles and songwriting and, for the most part, it's exhilarating.
Those looking for a truly unique sound in modern metal need look no further than "Liberation of Dissonance."
Canobliss: Johan Maldonado - Vocals; Samson Pedroza - Lead Guitar; Jon Russo - Guitar; Chenzo Vidalez - Bass; Mike Russo - Drums.
For more information, check out http://www.canobliss.com.
"Demon
Angel" (Self-produced; 2004)
Reviewed by R. Scott Bolton
The tracks on "Demon Angel" have the same pounding, heavy (but still very different) sound that one of my favorite bands, Shango, had. Sadly, I realize most of you have probably never heard of Shango and that's too bad because they were a great band. The good news is that San Diego's Canobliss appear to be set to take over where Shango left off.
"Demon Angel" is ten songs that hammer away with a throbbing heat that doesn't have to be racing along at 90 miles an hour in order to kick your ass. There's the title track with its haunting chorus, "F**k the FCC" (their asterisks, not ours), a brutal and angry tirade against government censorship, and the Rob Zombie-rhythmed "Rule the World." Track 7, "Wanted," throws you for a loop, starting out with a gentle, rolling guitar and building to a crushing jackhammer thump while "Last Breath" is a bulldozer of a track, delivering a solid wall of pure modern metal sound.
Songwriting is excellent throughout, with the band creating melodic yet monstrous tunes that you can bang your head to while you sing along.
Canobliss's "Demon Angel" is a gem and I look forward to hearing more from the band in the future.
Canobliss: Cash Payne - vocals; Samson J. Pedroza - guitar; Chenzo Vidalez - bass; Jon Russo - guitar; Mike "Pony Boy" Russo - drums.
For more information, check out http://www.canobliss.com.
Rating Guide:
A classic. This record will kick your ass.
Killer. Not a classic but it will rock your world.
So-so. You've heard better.
Pretty bad. Might make a nice coaster.
Self explanatory. Just the sight of the cover makes you wanna hurl.
Copyright © 2008 by R. Scott Bolton. All rights
reserved.
Revised: 19 Nov 2008 01:31:54 -0600.
