Noriega is a band I have been waiting to appear on the scene. Combining metalcore and doom metal, Noriega are finally that bridge between the stoner/doom sensation of the last year or two, and the recent past’s indelible presence of metalcore. Ironically though, despite having a very modern image and a metalcore highlight (due in large part to vocalist  Trae Malone), this is a band that is etched in the stone of old school doom metal in the vain of Cathedral and Eyehategod.

I know I am probably going to get some odd reactions from readers behind their computers, maybe even a few groans, but Noriega is really classic  doom metal revitalized. They don’t take the psychedelic and groove ridden take on doom that so many acts are doing these days, they take the downtrodden nihilistic approach that permeates today’s funeral doom sub-genre, combined with the brutal breakdowns of metalcore. On some songs the metalcore comes out more than in others, but the intro track “You Are God Songs” is undeniably pure, unadulterated doom and truly reminds me of early Cathedral with deeper bass and heavier licks. The highlight of this album for is the song “Life By Myself” which is by far the heaviest track on the album, and is the best at combining the cold, flat, melodic void with the hardcore sensibilities that has quickly become the calling card of Noriega.

Unlike some of the Mastodon clones circulating the scene, Desolo doesn’t pretend to be a post-metal hybrid, or some stoner group; these guys are heavy as fuck, whether they are leaning on their metalcore roots or their doom roots, and I really respect them for that. Desolo isn’t a hightlight of the year for me, but that’s only as a matter of taste. I don’t think Desolo does enough to push the envolope often settling with mediocre breakdowns instead of pushing their doom roots to the max. Nevertheless, this is a solid album that metalcore and deathcore fans should try out.

GOOD

Similar Artists: Cathedral, Bring Me the Horizon, The Acacia Strain, Eyehategod

1. You Are God Songs
2. Bernard
3. Detriment
4. Life By Myself
5. Ballacaust

Viable Records

http://www.myspace.com/noriegaband

Review by CODY