Mind Control – Elements
Mind Control – Elements
Self-Released
Release Date: 01/12/23
Running Time: 61:48
Review by Oli Gonzalez
9/10
Firstly, I’d like to issue an apology to Mind Control for only getting this review for their latest release “Elements” done now, over a month after it was released! However, I’m hoping this works in the bands favour as this review may have gotten lost in the shuffle of Christmas, when our radios were being plagued by the usual festive tripe. Now, I’m hoping this can help bring attention to the band and to the album. Because believe me, they deserve it! The band’s first album for almost a decade and I’m hoping it’s not the last!
The band describe their sound as being more mature and refined on this record. How would I describe it, as a whole? Try to imagine the symphonic qualities of Nightwish, the industrial and melodic properties of Scar Symmetry and Fear Factory, combined with the progressive charge of Jinjer and Tesseract. Then you’re kind of partially sort of nearly there! This is a very impressive and unique sound for me, and highly enjoyable to listen to. There’s so many individual elements to highlight though however.
Perhaps the most salient feature is vocalist Stefania and her versatility. She can unleash demonic growl after blood curdling scream, whilst effortlessly reverting to a much calmer and soothing clean tone. Whilst there’s many examples, I think her performance in ‘Flame’ sums this versatility up best, whilst her voice in ‘The River’ is just straight up gorgeous! This is why I made the comparison to Jinjer earlier, especially with this vocal range.
There’s a solid industrial undertone for the majority of the album, but I think this is most prominent in ‘Ether’. Does it djent, though? It certainly does, and we can see elements of complex syncopated patterns and modern djent style rhythmic components in ‘Effluent’ and ‘Hurricane’. Compliments to Luca and Stefano for keeping this going in the bands engine room and rhythm section.
Whilst you’re continually going to get slapped with straight up primitive rage, there’s times when Mind Control offer some kind of respite. This respite coming in the form of some more calming ambient stripped down passages. Much like the introduction to ‘The River’ and the early passages to ‘Storm’. Just like we need darkness for light to shine, you truly appreciate the aggression and heaviness that’s on offer after some of the clever introduction of these tactical rest spots.
I haven’t really spoke much guitarist Massimo. He goes under the radar somewhat, happily holding down the fort from a rhythmic standpoint whilst showing occasional hints of technical proficiency, especially during ‘Rage’. It can be tricky to shine when there’s only one guitarist in the band. However, he truly gets this opportunity during the album’s title track ‘Elements’! Every great album has an equally great instrumental, and without the pressure of simultaneously holding down lead and rhythm, Massimo unleashes an absolutely blazing guitar solo with the most exquisite of tones! This demands to be played repeatedly!
Overall, this is an excellent album. What’s preventing it from being a 10/10 album though? In all honesty, I think the production. For me, I feel as though the instruments and vocals could just be sharper and a bit more refined. Especially the guitars and vocals. I’m not sure if this rough around the edges approach is deliberate though, in order to provide that industrial edge. With that being said, the talent clearly exists within the bands ranks to make these improvements for the next record. I’m just hoping it’s not going to be another 9 years before that comes. I’m sure “Elements” will be in my Top 10 list at the end of this calendar year.
TRACKLISTING:
01. Eléments
02. Rage
03. Flames
04. Effluent
05. Wind
06. Storm
07. Air
08. Tempest
09. Hurricane
10. The Rive
11. Ether
12. Maelstrom
13. Blame
LINE-UP:
Stefania Salladini – Vocals
Massimo Boffa – guitars and programming
Luca Nicolucci – drums
Stefano Tatasciore – bass
LINKS:
Disclaimer: This review is solely the property of Oli Gonzalez and Ever Metal. It is strictly forbidden to copy any part of this review, unless you have the strict permission of said party. Failure to adhere to this will be treated as plagiarism and will be reported to the relevant authorities.
