Alchemist
- Austral Alien (Chatterbox)
Jack Odel www.metalbite.com
Mmm. Can you smell the eucalyptus and kangaroo droppings?
Alchemist circa 2003 return to the top of the Australian
metal charts with "Austral Alien." What is arguably
Australia's most recognizable and successful contemporary
metal outfit have once again proven themselves to be of
true international quality. If these guys were located
in Europe, I guarantee you they would
receive the sort of exposure that the big metal acts get.
I am talking Amorphis and Katatonia levels! "Austral
Alien" is a huge improvement in every way over "Organasm"
(which was a bloody fine record). The lush organic architecture,
which was ever-vibrant on "Organasm," is displayed
proudly through the psychedelic wandering of "Austral
Alien," but possibly fleshed out that bit more. Alchemist
has certainly augmented what they were doing on "Organasm"
and slowed things down ever so slightly to a deeper level,
allowing them to hit more nerves with kaleidoscopic color
waves and huge batteries of effervescent riffs that transport
the listener through a vast vortex of pink koalas and
purple combi-vans. Each of the eleven tracks throughout
"Austral Alien" has an undeniable psychedelic
Australian feel to it, however not to the extent of being
a carbon copy of one another. Each track has its own identity,
its own vibe and more importantly its own unique atmosphere,
which builds on the previous track to enhance the overall
listening experience of the record. This is one record
that you should not miss. If "Austral Alien"
receives sufficient exposure I would not be at all surprised
if it features amongst many of the top tens of 2003.Hundreds
of acts claim that their latest record is unbelievably
diverse and that they have included 'X influences from
X genres' to make their new albumreally 'out there' and
unique. But when you sit down and listen, nine times out
of ten you'll be greeted with a disc that you'll shove
alongside the other clones of the industry. Alchemist
is that one time out of ten, and "Austral Alien"
truly shines as one of the most diverse records that we
have the pleasure to call 'metal.' Bottom Line: A more
'Australian' Alchemist arise with "Austral Alien."
Those of you who enjoyed the good shit they served up
with "Organasm" will find solace and enjoyment
with "Austral Alien," whilst those new to the
psychedelic world of Alchemist needn't look any further.
This album is the personification of Australian metal.
I am proud to call myself Australian.
Categorical Rating Breakdown
Musicianship: 9
Atmosphere: 9.5
Production: 8.5
Originality: 9
Overall: 9.5
Rating: 9.1 out of 10
Jack
Odel
www.metalbite.com
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