MEDIA LAB
"Bleeding
Memory" (Sunland Records; 2005)
Reviewed by Jeff Rogers
When Media Lab vocalist Sean Nelson sings, he has a voice like Jared Leto
of 30 Seconds To Mars. When he screams, he sounds like all six of his emotions are self-inflicting daggers of death.
According to the band's website, they consider themselves “Emotional
Hardcore.” Their music is powerful; the guitar riffs are a hammer and sickle combination. The drums pound in unison with the guitar and the bass. Permanent hair loss is guaranteed if you get too close.
Each song starts with a different intro and then copies the same sprinting drums and screaming vocals
format. That got old after awhile. A couple of tracks with enough potential to avoid the skip button
are “Come Alive,” “Lie Awake” and “Stand Down” (only on the chorus). Unfortunately, there are no guitar
solos but there is a constant brutal guitar, so if you want to create a tsunami in the community pool, play this
one on ten.
Media Lab seems to be fueled by all the vinegar that drips from the hardcore music of
today. Being that angry all the time must be so exhausting. When a band communicates in a way that requires them to scream their emotions I tend to tune them out. When someone is yelling at me my
a wall just goes up. If you want to be heard then simmer it down to something
like a forest fire, otherwise, don't waste your vocal chords on me.
"Bleeding Memory" does include a cover of the classic U2 song, “With Or Without
You.” I guess they’re showing their softer side. They cover it quite well and only juice it up at the appropriate
point. I suppose you can cuddle a porcupine, if he calms down for 4:44.
Media Lab: Sean Nelson – vocals; Will Riley – guitar; Alexandria Reyes – guitar; Steven Moran – drums; Bill Hallaran – bass.
For more information, check out http://www.medialabmusic.com.
"Bleeding
Memory" (Sunland Records; 2005)
Reviewed by Snidermann
By definition, heavy metal should be loud and in your face. As to what degree is acceptable, well, that's a decision that is totally up to the listener.
Media Lab's "Bleeding Memory" is a perfect example of really good heavy metal. The music goes from mellow hard rock to screaming, thundering metal with nary a breath between. The range of musical expression here is outstanding, although the vocals do occasionally get a bit harsh for my taste. Still, overall, this is one exceptional CD.
For more information, check out www.mediallab.com or www.myspace.com/medialab.
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 © 2007 by R. Scott Bolton. All
rights reserved.
Revised: 18 Mar 2024 11:16:02 -0500
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