Saturday, August 4, 2018

Assimilate "Vicious Circles"


Next stop on the 5 Skull Express is Watford, Hertfordshire UK to check out a FRESH new release from Assimilate. This is the band's first full-length album, an accomplishment to be extremely proud of in this day and age of endless EP releases. Assimilate are no strangers to the EP release, having put out 2 EPs since 2013 between a healthy live schedule.

Assimilate classify themselves as Alternative Metal, and that seems to be a fitting title for their genre. Jake Aston (Vocals) shows his versatility on this album, frequently switching between harsh verses and eerily layered choruses. Aston's vocal influences reek of old school Corey Taylor or Chad Gray, but his tones are distinctly his own. His ability to switch between the raspy and the high is impressive and refreshing. These are catchy and also hard songs.

Chris Dixon and Matt Bown (Guitars) play together with a captivating and groovy style that pulls the listener in and keeps the head moving. "The Bliss Of Ignorance" begins with a dissonant progression, and although it is a short song, it does represent a complete thought.

Chris Rush (Drums) gets the pit moving with "Forgive and Forget," showing off his fast yet still groove-heavy songwriting.

"Insomniac" was the first single release from the album, and it is a solid representation of the band's sound. It shows off multiple sides of the band, with drastic changes between the verse and chorus parts. This is a head banger for sure, and it's also featured as their first music video from the new album.

Jack Cox (Bass) gets a nice moment to shine on the intro to "Last Words." He completes the rhythm section perfectly, blending nicely with the groove-oriented guitars on "Vicious Circles" as a whole.

My favorite song on the record is "Cold Reader" because of that intensely catchy guitar hook. Dixon and Bown forgo the flashy in favor of a great blend of dissonance and groove.

The last track, "Illusions" is the closest to a slower song that this band is going to give us on the album, featuring a delay-heavy intro and more enchanting choruses.

This record is catchy without being over the top. It's got groove and head nod for days. This is definitively a metal record without being too far on the extreme side. Metal elitists may say that the clean parts come off a bit whiny. I find it heartfelt and musically diverse. Aston's distinct tones may take a bit of time to sink in, but trust me when I say that YOU TOO will Assimilate. Of course, you should NEVER take my word for it! Go check this record out for yourself!



"VICIOUS CIRCLES"
Type: Full-length
Release date: August 4th, 2018
Label: Self-released
Artwork: Helen Hebenton at Uncanny Designs

Tracklist:
01. The Bliss Of Ignorance (1:23)
02. Forgive And Forget (3:13)
03. Insomniac (2:53)
04. Omens (2:42)
05. Left Behind (3:53)
06. Last Words (3:22)
07. Vicious Circle (2:58)
08. Cold Reader (4:02)
09. Count Your Blessings (3:50)
10. Illusions (4:24)

How to get it:

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/AssimilateOfficial/

Bandcamp:
https://assimilate.bandcamp.com

YouTube:
http://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9fTl4HAQQsYWBPyaE8cqsQ

Bigcartel:
https://assimilate.bigcartel.com

THE VERDICT:

4 out of 5 Skulls

💀💀💀💀

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