Incoming Cerebral Overdrive - Controverso

There's something needlessly pretentious about the accompanying press bumph for this album. Describing it as “a new impulse in ICO's uncontrollable nature” and “growing and breathing with the innovative soul of Avante Garde” is a little hard to swallow - taking yourself that seriously can really be a turn-off. That aside, what this Italian quintet have given us is a fundamentally excellent slice of experimental metallic hardcore. Elements of Mastodon and Botch combine brilliantly amidst unconventional but dense production to exciting effect. Past work with Converge's Kurt Ballou has reaped rewards, not least in the band's willingness to diversify their sound. Second track Oxygen is especially reminiscent of Washington state's progressive hardcore scene, while incorporating enough contemporary elements to make it relevant. Magic and There are the album's more sinister numbers. With the tempo eased, they add depth and variety to this engaging, brutal record.