Gorod - Neurotripsicks

Rating: 8.2

Country: France

Release Date: 2005

Track list:
1. Intro/Gorod Rises Up
2. Gutting Job [mp3]
3. Smoked Skulls
4. Hunt to the Weaks [mp3]
5. Beware of Tramps
6. Pig's Bloated Face
7. Rusted Nails Attack
8. Harmony in Torture
9. Earth Pus
10. Neuronal Disorder State
11. Gorod
12. Submission Transfer

Band Website: Gorod

Gorod - Neurotripsicks

Mat - Guitar
Arnaud - Guitar
Guillaume - Vocals
Ben - Bass
Sandrine - Drums

This is a re-release of the 2004 Deadsun Records album by the band formerly referred to as "the French Gorgasm" with two new tracks that fit the mould (albeit a very curiously shaped one). Gorod bear very little resemblance to the US Gorgasm and it is critical indolence that condemns both to be labelled merely "technical death metal". Gorgasm reborn as Gorod is chiefly mid-paced with sparse blastbeats and only a subtle use of atonality and dissonance. However, the relative lack of speed and rampant savagery is more than made up for by a colourful and innovative approach that is selectively brutal.

From the intro through to "Gutting Job", it is clear that Gorod have a different agenda. Totally unexpectedly, sparkling bass runs caress a harmonised melody that lead into a tapping solo reminiscent of Marty Friedman in his 'Dragon's Kiss' days. After a dirgey groove fill and a broken staccato riff the listener gets a synthed-up Steve Vai tap solo (circa 'Passion and Warfare'). In fact, the leadwork is stunning throughout, with the brief final track forming the apex of frenzied harmonised tapping. One of the strengths of this album is that the leads, hammering, trilling, arpeggios, slides, sweeps and bends sound totally purposeful rather than being contrived pizzazz. One could argue that the lead guitars are the centrepiece, although it is probably the raw but oversimplistic grooves that artificially heighten the anticipation of the Anata/Atheist-like interplay.

"Smoked Skulls" has the first strong scent of Meshuggah staccato, with heavy syncopation and intelligent use of very brief but effective pauses amongst riff pieces. "Hunt to the Weaks" has a vein of vigorous chopping thrash and Nocturnus-edged ornate fastpicked harmonies. "Pig's Bloated Face" and "Harmony in Torture" are more gutteral with long mutating Cannibal Corpse riffage (from 'The Bleeding') spreading like an infection and more aggressive and intricate vocal/bass/drum interaction. Although deficient of monstrous growls, "Neuronal Disorder State" is the mini-masterpiece of the album with its angular stabbing chords, floating solos, droning synths, harmonised chord bends, layered chugging dirge and multiple rhythmic variations.

This is an engrossing and unconventional album that is mainly let down by its below-par production (particularly in the percussion area, where the highly competent groove-sensitive performance is spoiled by tinny cymbals, irritating snare sound and muddy kicks) and poor lyrics that are unintentionally amusing. These quibbles are easily fixed, however, because a little more of the Yyrkoon vibe in their grooves would be enough for Gorod to rise up and envelope Europe.

November 27th, 2005