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[9/10] Technically a 2003 release, but wisely picked up by the fledgling Reality Entertainment label, Mindcrimes is an intoxicating display of flowing melodic death metal that takes on an identity of its own, failing to ponder to the current melodic death sound that runs rampant. With a two-pronged vocal attack that melds Alice In Chains-like dramatics (oh yes!) and traditional growls, Lyzanxia easily distances itself from its contemporaries.
The brothers Potvin, David-lead guitars/vocals and Frank-rhythm guitar/vocals have employed an uncanny vocal style that effortlessly volleys from standard growls to Layne Staley-esque vocal melodies. Lyzanxia practically intertwines these two styles at every given opportunity, coming up with some truly chilling results in ‘Damnesia’ and ‘Black Side’. A vast portion of the time, these vocal melodies are employed the chorus where its matched with either some smart chording, or uptempo riffing. Although the juxtaposition of two vocal styles is nothing new in melodic death metal, Lyzanxia immediately carves out an identity all its own.
Musically, much of Mindcrimes is total melodic death metal flare: harmonized riffs, alternate picking, the occasional stattaco riff, and a rather crisp production job courtesy of uber-producer Fredrik Nordstrom. Perhaps an equally striking component of Lyzanxia's sound is how uncontrived and natural all of this sounds. The chord progressions and song structures flow effortlessly, with a savvy hook or riff always lurking around the bend. Many of the riffs are there to supplement the vocals, as in the case of album highlight ‘Glass Bones’ and the thrashy ‘Mind Split’. We are treated to a couple of solid, swift riffs in ‘Fugitive’ while ‘Silence Code’ ups the ante in the technical department.
As its becoming well known, we are reaching the reckoning day for the melodic death metal scene. In the coming months bands will be forced to raise the bar, and offer up something fresh to a style that's been beaten to death by not only the metal scene, but by the hardcore scene as well. Out of this whole mess, Lyzanxia should emerge as one of the victors, for Lyzanxia is a band that plays to its strengths in ways that very few bands do. Top notch vocal work will always be the icing on the cake for any melodic death metal band, and no band can touch what Lyzanxia is doing in the vocal department. Clearly one of the more refreshing outputs as of late, Mindcrimes will be one of the albums in which the imitators will cringe at the sight of. Related Links:
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