MISTAKEN ELEMENT - MIND OVER MATTER - 2009

Seeking modern thrash with progressive tendencies, and ability to groove without diving deeply into the math metal or crappy nu-crop of bands? Mistaken Element has found the answer with their sophomore effort; a bludgeoning balance of technical thrash chops, interesting song structures and brutal, blunt vocals still capable of holding a melody within schizophrenic layers.

"Lost" sets the album off with dense, chugging triplets as Yann Ligner barks his meaty and oppressive vocals. The verse transforms into a lattice of thrashing ferocity, giving way for a melodic chorus full of atmospheric chords and some cleaner vocals. "Mind Over Matter" launches with a seriously excellent, repetetive thrash/groove. Some of the riffing recalls Testament, but modernized. "The Chosen One" lurches with a sick breakdown: limbs will be broken to this song at some point. "Save Me" has a slightly math pace to it, point blank chugging that explodes into a Prong-like groove. "My Chapter Ends" features another of their slinky and mesmerizing grooves, occasionally channeling a bit of countrymen Gojira. Other tracks of note: the mostly instrumental "No Sound Disturbs the Silence" for its tranquil acoustic flow, and the chaotic, hammering "Duality".

Yet another example of how France is starting to dominate the world of modern, grooving thrash focused intensely on the simple punishment offered through its delivery and tone. Alongside Gojira and Outcast this is one of the better bands I've heard pushing the style, though Mistaken Element have a pure thrash foundation. They are capable of cleaner chorus parts without coming off too cheesy like a lot of the metalcore crap out there. The songs here are consistent and the album is well worth your time if you favor thinking man's metal with pit appeal.
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