TakaLaiton – Mindfection
TakaLaiton – Mindfection
Rockshots Records
Release Date: 28/07/23
Running Time: 41:38
Review by Paul Hutchings
7/10
Blending thrash with elements of nu-metal, the second full-length release by Finnish quartet TakaLaiton is quite the album. From the stomping breakneck pace of opener ‘Rip ‘n Burn’ through to the lengthy seven-minute title track that closes the release, there is no place to hide.
I read some criticism of reviewers on a social media post where the accusation was made that we tend to cross reference the bands whose influences are evident in the albums we review. Well, it may be slightly lazy, but when an album is crammed full of elements of Slipknot and Machine Head, it’s difficult to avoid it. Roaring “Hear Me Now” as singer Joho Mäntykivi does at the start of ‘Get What You Asked For’ is unavoidably Robb Flynn circa 1994.
“Mindfection” is described by the band as being based on the sickening desire of society to be famous for two minutes, regardless of impact. They flick from serial killers to virtue signalling, from corporate domination to the decisions of leaders that affect millions. It’s an angry album, with plenty of groove, heavy riffs, and aggressive thrash. But there are curveballs as well. The track ‘Hopeareunus’ is more anthemic, with soaring cleans and a more melodic feel. The Pantera groove of ‘Ambassador of Revenge’ sees one of the most punishing tracks on the album, with gang chants, a ferocious drive, and some punishing aural abuse.
In fact, the most interesting thing about Mindfection is that it doesn’t follow any one genre. The patterns, song structures, and styles switch from song to song. They rarely let up on the aggression throughout, such as the pounding battery demonstrated on ‘Reborn’, but you simply can’t predict what is coming next. And this is summarised perfectly with the title track. It opens to a symphonic intro, atmosphere building, before slowly easing into the biggest and most impressive track on the whole album. Don’t worry, it soon explodes into a beast of a thrasher, savage riffs and a nice chugging style that get the head nodding before dropping into an almost classic rock finale. The best thing to do is let you experience this.
Overall, the schizophrenic nature of the album is probably its saving grace, as well as being its Achilles Heel. You need to pick a side and decide which works best. Ultimately, if you like your metal soaked in a wide range of influences, and with an unpredictability that is enjoyable from start to finish, this will be an album to check out.
‘Rip ‘n Burn’ Official Video
TRACKLISTING:
01. Rip ‘n Burn
02. Do Or Die
03. Get What You Asked For
04. Hopeareunus
05. Ambassador of Revenge
06. Mies Miestä Vastaan
07. Reborn
08. Arkajalka
09. Destination… Termination
10. Mindfection
LINE-UP:
Janne Raunio – Bass
Joona Juntnuen – Drums
Pasi Hyrkkänen – Guitars (lead0
Juho Mäntykivi – Guitars/ Vocals
LINKS:
Disclaimer: This review is solely the property of Paul Hutchings and Ever Metal. It is strictly forbidden to copy any part of this review, unless you have the strict permission of both parties. Failure to adhere to this will be treated as plagiarism and will be reported to the relevant authorities.
